Is the word comandante the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling and grammar of "comandante" are identical in both variants, the answer is No because there are significant differences in pronunciation and typical usage.

• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open and clearly articulated vowels. In Continental Portuguese, there is heavy vowel reduction, meaning unstressed vowels (such as the final "e") are often "swallowed" or pronounced as a very short, nearly silent sound.
• Typical Usage: In Brazil, "comandante" has a heavy sociopolitical connotation related to organized crime; it is the standard term used in news and daily life to refer to the leaders of criminal factions. In Portugal, the word is much more strictly reserved for formal institutional hierarchies, such as the military, navy, or police. When referring to leaders of non-military groups, a Portuguese person is much more likely to use words like chefe (boss/chief) or líder (leader).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O comandante da facção foi preso ontem. (The faction commander was arrested yesterday.)
2. O comandante do voo pediu para todos sentarem. (The flight commander asked everyone to sit down.) Note: In Brazil, "comandante" is used commonly for pilots in both formal and semi-formal contexts.
3. Ele é o comandante de uma unidade de elite. (He is the commander of an elite unit.)
4. O comandante da patrulha deu a ordem de parada. (The patrol commander gave the order to stop.)
5. O comandante da operação militar chegou ao local. (The military operation commander arrived at the site.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O chefe da organização criminosa foi preso ontem. (The leader of the criminal organization was arrested yesterday.)
2. O piloto pediu para todos sentarem. (The pilot asked everyone to sit down.)
3. Ele é o oficial desta unidade. (He is the officer of this unit.)
4. O capitão da patrulha deu a ordem de parada. (The patrol captain gave the order to stop.)
5. O chefe da operação militar chegou ao local. (The head of the military operation arrived at the site.)