DefenseThe turnaround in Portugal’s plans to acquire theLockheed Martin F-35 fighter has already stirred up French manufacturer Dassault.
In an interview, the manufacturer’s CEO, Eric Trappier, said that the company is prepared to supply Rafale jets to countries that initially opted for the US plane.
According to Trappier, Portugal has not yet formalized a request for the aircraft because everything is still very recent. “We will have to see in the coming weeks and months. But we really want to offer our aircraft to Portugal. It is a country in the European Union and NATO. It would have the same interoperability capabilities that we have within the Alliance, so it seems logical,” the chief executive told Le Journal Du Dimanche.
On March 14, Portugal’s Defense Minister, Nuno Melo, revealed that the country’s Air Force had abandoned plans to order the F-35, a 5th generation fighter that has been successful in competitions around the world.
The reason given is the inconsistency of US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. In the wake of Portugal’s decision, Canada said it was rethinking an order for 88 stealth aircraft to replace the CF-188 Hornet fighters.
Re-elected Defense Minister Bill Blair said that although some F-35s may be received, Canada will evaluate other options.
Germany reaffirms commitment to F-35
On the other hand, the German government confirmed that the plan to acquire 35 F-35A fighters to replace the Panavia Tornado as nuclear strike vectors is still on track.
The first jets have already begun production and will be delivered from 2027.
The possible revision of the contract came amid protests from German manufacturing entities and also a rumor about the existence of a “kill switch” in the fighter, which would allow the F-35 to be turned off remotely, which was denied by Washington.
