Airbus plans to formally offer the Eurofighter Typhoon to Portugal within the next few weeks as the European fighter competes for the replacement of the Portuguese Air Force's F-16 fleet.
A proposal is expected to be submitted to the Portuguese government between late October and early November, Ivan Gonzalez Exposito, Eurofighter campaign manager for Portugal, told reporters in Lisbon on Thursday.
Portugal has not yet formally launched the procurement process. The Portuguese Air Force operates a fleet of upgraded F-16AM/BM fighters and has been studying their replacement as the aircraft approach the end of their planned service lives.
Airbus argues that the Eurofighter is particularly suited to Portugal's requirements because much of the country's fighter activity involves air policing, NATO Quick Reaction Alert duties and protection of Portuguese airspace and territorial waters.
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The company also plans to include financing options, industrial participation and military cooperation in its proposal. Airbus builds the Eurofighter together with BAE Systems and Leonardo, with Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom participating in the program.
F-35 has Portuguese Air Force preference
The Eurofighter campaign faces a significant obstacle within the Portuguese military itself. The Portuguese Air Force has previously indicated a preference for the Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jet.
A reported internal assessment using 20 technical criteria placed the F-35 first and the Saab Gripen E second. The study had not been formally submitted to political decision-makers when its findings emerged earlier this year, and the Portuguese government has stressed that no selection has been made.
Portuguese Air Force officials have also pointed to interoperability as an important consideration. The F-35 is already operated or being acquired by a growing number of European NATO members, including several countries that have used the F-16.
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September 24, 2026
The issue extends beyond aircraft performance. Portugal's Defence Minister Nuno Melo has said the eventual decision will consider technical requirements alongside geopolitical factors, industrial participation and other benefits offered to the country.
The Portuguese government's position toward the F-35 has changed over time. Concerns over dependence on the United States under the Trump administration prompted Melo to question an F-35 acquisition in 2025, opening more space for European alternatives. The aircraft has nevertheless remained under consideration.
Rafale and Gripen also target Portuguese order
Dassault Aviation has already submitted a proposal for its Rafale fighter to the Portuguese government and Air Force. The French manufacturer disclosed this week that the offer was formally presented in July.
Dassault also signed a cooperation agreement with AED Cluster Portugal on Wednesday to study opportunities for Portuguese companies involving the Rafale program and partners Safran and Thales.
Saab Gripen E | Saab 
Rafale
Saab has been campaigning for the Gripen E in Portugal and has also established agreements with the country's aerospace industry. The Swedish manufacturer has discussed possible local production work and has highlighted the involvement of Embraer in the Brazilian Gripen program as a model that could be extended to Portugal, where Embraer controls aircraft manufacturer OGMA.
Portugal's future fighter requirement could cover between 14 and 28 aircraft, according to figures previously discussed by Portuguese military officials. The country's current F-16 fleet is based at Monte Real and has been used regularly for NATO missions, including deployments for air policing in Eastern Europe.
