Portugal is seriously considering the Lockheed Martin F-35A as a replacement for its F-16 fighters, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said on Thursday. His statement signals a change from the doubts raised by the government over the US aircraft last year.
“We are seriously considering the F-35 proposal, just as we are considering others,” Rangel said after a meeting in Lisbon with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He added that Portugal would make its decision according to the country's national interest.
Portugal has not formally selected a successor to its F-16M fleet. The competition also includes the Saab Gripen E, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, with their manufacturers pursuing a program that could cover between 14 and 28 fighters.
The F-35's position appeared less certain in March 2025, when Defense Minister Nuno Melo questioned whether Portugal should remain dependent on the United States for a future fighter fleet. His concerns centered on the political relationship with Washington under President Donald Trump and the long-term dependence on US support, components and software.
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The Portuguese Air Force maintained a different position. Its chief of staff, Gen. João Cartaxo Alves, publicly argued that Portugal needed a fifth-generation fighter and identified the F-35 as the available aircraft that met that requirement.
F-35 leads Air Force assessment
An internal Portuguese Air Force assessment subsequently placed the F-35 ahead of its European competitors. The study compared the candidates under 20 criteria, with the Gripen E reportedly in second place. The assessment represents a military recommendation rather than a government selection.
The potential acquisition has been estimated at between €3 billion and €5 billion (approximately US$3.5 billion to US$5.8 billion), depending on the number of aircraft and configuration of the program. Portugal currently operates 28 upgraded F-16s, although a future order could involve fewer fighters.
Lockheed Martin has also sought to address the industrial side of the competition. The US manufacturer has discussed F-35 component production and maintenance activities in Portugal and identified potential projects involving Portuguese companies.
European manufacturers continue to pursue the requirement. Dassault has presented the Rafale to Portugal, Saab is promoting the Gripen E and Airbus is preparing a Eurofighter proposal that includes financing and industrial participation.
The political debate over dependence on the United States has not disappeared. Former Defense Minister João Gomes Cravinho said in September that purchasing the F-35 would leave Portugal dependent on Washington for decades, although he acknowledged the fighter's capabilities.
Rubio's visit nevertheless provides a different political setting from early 2025. Portuguese media reported before Thursday's meeting that the F-35 would be among the subjects discussed in Lisbon. The United States and Portugal also maintain a longstanding defense relationship that includes US military access to Lajes Field in the Azores.
Portugal has not announced a timetable for selecting its next fighter or the final number of aircraft it intends to acquire.
