Portugal seriously considers US F-35 jets along with other options
LMT•Portugal is seriously considering Lockheed Martin’s F-35 jets to replace its 28 upgraded F-16M fighters, alongside other options. It has not launched a formal tender.
1. Replacement options considered
Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said Portugal would decide on replacing its ageing F-16 fleet based on national interests and was seriously considering the US offer of F-35s along with other options. He spoke after meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Lisbon.
2. Competition for deal
The F-35 faces competition from the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale and Gripen E. The potential deal would deepen Portugal’s defence ties with either European or US partners.
