"There is no other option": Portugal opts for F-35A
Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff João Cartaso Alves confirmed that the country is still preparing to purchase US F-35A Lightning II fighters to replace the outdated F-16AM/BM.
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In a speech on 22 April, General Alves said that Portugal currently sees no alternative but to purchase Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft. Thus, for the first time, he publicly confirmed the course for the F-35A, which had previously been discussed only in the expert community and the press.
The initial recommendation to purchase these aircraft was submitted to the government in November 2023, but the official confirmation of the Air Force's position has only now been made.
The general stressed that the choice was based not only on technical feasibility but also on strategic necessity - the F-16 fleet, which has been in service since 1994, is exhausting its resources after decades of active use, including in NATO's international operations.
F-35A. Illustration: Міноборони Данії
The Portuguese government has previously stated that other options, including European platforms, are being considered. However, under the pressure of time and NATO's needs for interoperability, preference is likely to be given to the US F-35. Potential financial benefits from the United States may be an additional argument.
Portugal is among a small group of NATO Allies that have not yet made a decision to purchase the F-35, although a number of partners have already incorporated the aircraft into their air forces. A similar debate is underway in Spain, which is choosing a successor to its AV-8B Harrier II aircraft - and the F-35 is seen as a leading contender.
Source: Defence Industry Europe
