Portugal Reconsidering F-35 Purchase Plans, Prefers European Jets

Portugal is reconsidering its plan to buy F-35 jets from the U.S. to replace its ageing F-16s aircraft and will consider European fighters instead due to “geopolitical uncertainty and unpredictability of American Policy.”

Defense Minister Nuno Melo said this during the course of an interview with Portuguese publication Publico when asked if the F-35 is being considered to replace existing F-16s.

U.S. could impose limitation on F-35 use

“The F-16s are at the end of their cycle and we will have to think about their replacement. And this ally of ours (The United States), which has always been predictable over the decades, could bring limitations to use, maintenance, components, and everything that has to do with ensuring that aircraft (F-35) will be operational and used in all types of scenarios.”

Blaming the Trump administration for the rethink on fighter purchase, he said, “the recent position of the United States, in the context of NATO and in the international geostrategic plan, must make us think about the best options (for new fighter jets), because the predictability of our allies is a greater asset to take into account. We must believe that, in all circumstances, these allies will be on our side."

Showing a clear preference for European fighter jets he continued, ”there are several options that must be considered, particularly in the context of European production and also taking into account the return that these options may have on the Portuguese economy.”

When asked whether Portugal would consider French aircraft (Rafale) in place of the F-35, minister Neno melo said, “I won't have that discussion here.”