Portugal reevaluates fighter jet purchase amid US tensions
Portugal is planning to purchase new fighter jets for approximately $5.9 billion and is considering "all options." Although just a few weeks ago, the F-35 fighters were the clear favorite to strengthen the country's air force, recent actions by Donald Trump's administration have significantly changed the situation.
The rationale for purchasing F-35s for the Portuguese Air Force was questioned as early as mid-March, when outgoing Defense Minister Nuno Melo stated that "the predictability of our allies is a greater asset to take into account." He was referring to Donald Trump's actions, which involved aggressive rhetoric not only towards Ukraine but also towards NATO allies. For the same reason, Canada and even Germany have also begun discussions about abandoning the purchase of F-35s.
Portugal is no longer convinced about the F-35
Ultimately, the new aircraft for the Portuguese Air Force will be chosen by the new government. One high-ranking official mentioned that in the search for fighters to replace the aging F-16s, "all options" are being analyzed.
"We need to analyze what the other ones can do or cannot do, because in the end, we need to say or take the decision if we were willing to commit to option A, B or C. There’s pros and cons that we need to put inside our analysis, and, of course, put to politicians all the information they need in order to take those decisions, that are not easy," said Major General João Nogueira, Director of the Weapons Systems Maintenance Division in the Portuguese Air Force.
In Portugal, concerns have been raised that purchasing the F-35 could be a major mistake if diplomatic relations with the United States deteriorate in the future. Opponents of the purchase suggest that the U.S. could restrict the use of these fighters. Concerns involve the potential immobilization of the F-35 using a so-called kill switch, whose existence is, however, denied. Additionally, scenarios are being considered involving, for example, the difficulty of maintenance or purchasing spare parts, which could allow the U.S. to enforce desired actions by the country's authorities.
European fighters could enter the competition
The conventional variant of the F-35A for the Air Force is a single-seat multirole fighter. It is distinguished by stealth technology, meaning reduced detectability in flight. It also provides the ability to conduct electronic warfare and carry several tons of conventional armament (missiles and bombs). It can reach a speed of approximately 1.6 Mach (about 1,243 mph) and operate at an altitude of up to 49,213 feet.
Nogueira did not specify which other fighters are being considered in their analyses. Potential candidates could be the Eurofighter Typhoon, French Rafale, and Swedish Gripen. Although they do not offer all the capabilities provided by the F-35, purchasing one of them may be justified not only by technical capabilities but also by other factors such as price, maintenance capabilities, or a lower level of dependence on electronics.
According to former Pentagon consultant Reuben F. Johnson, the Swedish Gripen is a highly underrated aircraft that should be considered as an alternative to the F-35. It is a cheaper, less computerized aircraft that stands out, among other things, for its ability to operate from short, improvised runways.
