Portugal is set to make a decision regarding the replacement of its aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets based on national interests. The nation is seriously considering the U.S. offer for F-35 aircraft, alongside other alternatives, as stated by Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Lisbon.
While Portugal has not yet initiated an official bidding process for the replacement of its 28 F-16M jets, competition is intensifying for a deal that would strengthen Lisbon’s defense ties with European and American partners, according to reports from Reuters.
“The Portuguese state will always decide in accordance with national interest. One thing is clear: we are seriously considering the proposal for F-35 aircraft, just as we are looking at other options,” Rangel noted during a press conference after his discussions with the U.S. Secretary of State.
The Lockheed Martin F-35, regarded by many defense analysts as the frontrunner, faces competition from the Eurofighter Typhoon (manufactured by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo), the French Dassault Aviation Rafale, and the Swedish Saab Gripen E.
Portugal is a founding member of NATO, having joined the North Atlantic Alliance on April 4, 1949, alongside 11 other nations.
