After Success in Turkey, Eurofighter Eyes Portugal to Replace its F-16s with Typhoons

Airbus, representing the Eurofighter Consortium has signed a MoU with Portuguese Aerospace and Defence Industries ((AED Cluster Portugal)  to explore collaboration for Replacing Portugal's F-16A/B jets with Eurofighter Typhoon Fighters.

According to Airbus, this memorandum of understanding lays the foundation for positioning the Eurofighter Typhoon as a "truly European" solution to replace Portugal's aging F-16 fleet.

Jose Luis de Miguel, President of Airbus Defence and Space Europe, made the following statement:

“At a time when European sovereignty and industrial autonomy are at the heart of our strategy, Airbus strongly believes that the Eurofighter is the best option for this renewal.”

An Airbus statement said: This memorandum of understanding strengthens international cooperation and positions Portuguese industry within global value chains, creating a more collaborative and innovative sector ready for technologically challenging programs.

With this partnership, the Cluster reaffirms its commitment to building bridges between Portugal and key international players, bringing economic, scientific, and strategic value to the country.

Current users of Eurofighter: “As the largest European defence programme involving NATO partners Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, Eurofighter is not only a guarantor of security but also a driver of growth and jobs,” Airbus said.

Earlier this week, Eurofighter signed an agreement with Turkey to sell 20 fighter jets a move that casts doubts over Ankara’s plans to buy the latest F-16 jets.

Lockheed Martin MoU with AED Cluster Portugal

Despite Portugal’s reservation in going ahead with procurement of F-35 jets, Lockheed Martin signed a strategic agreement with  AED Cluster Portugal in June 2025 to explore opportunities for local participation in the F-35 program should Lisbon reverse its decision not to procure the American fighter jets.

According to the US Embassy in Lisbon, the deal presents “incredible opportunities for Portuguese companies to contribute to high-tech programs and strengthen the national aerospace and defense ecosystem.”