Portugal has ruled out purchasing American-made F-35 fighter jets to replace its aging F-16 fleet, citing concerns over the United States’ shifting geopolitical stance. Outgoing Defense Minister Nuno Melo announced the decision in an interview with Portuguese daily Público on Thursday, marking a rare instance where US foreign policy uncertainties have disrupted a major arms deal.
Melo emphasized the need for “predictability” in military partnerships and indicated that the Portuguese government is now considering European-made aircraft instead.
The Portuguese Air Force had recommended the F-35 as the most suitable replacement for its aging fleet, with Air Force Chief João Cartaxo Alves previously stating that there was “no other option” besides the Lockheed Martin-built jet. However, the government has taken a different stance, driven by broader strategic concerns.
“In our choices, we cannot be oblivious to the geopolitical context,” Melo said. “The recent position of the US, in the context of NATO and at the international geostrategic level, has made us reconsider the best options.”
Melo did not specify which European fighter jets are under consideration, but likely alternatives include the Eurofighter Typhoon, developed by a consortium of Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, and France’s Dassault Rafale.
The decision reflects growing concerns among European allies about the reliability of US defense commitments, particularly as Washington’s foreign policy becomes less predictable. While NATO countries have traditionally relied on American-made fighter jets, Portugal’s move could signal a broader trend of European nations seeking greater autonomy in defense procurement.
A key factor in Portugal’s decision appears to be concerns over the F-35’s software controls, which some defense analysts argue give the US excessive leverage over allied nations operating the aircraft.
Last week, Joachim Schranzhofer, head of communications at German defense company Hensoldt, told Bild that the rumored existence of a “kill switch” in the F-35 is “more than just a rumor.” If true, this would mean the US has the capability to remotely disable the aircraft, raising concerns about operational independence for nations that purchase it.
While the Pentagon has never confirmed such a feature, fears of external control over the jet’s maintenance and software updates have fueled debates in European defense circles. The F-35 relies on a highly sophisticated, cloud-based logistics system known as ALIS (Autonomic Logistics Information System), later replaced by the Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN). Both systems require US oversight, leading to concerns that Washington could ground allied fleets if political disputes arise.
Melo alluded to these concerns in his remarks, stating that Portugal needs to ensure that its military assets remain fully operational under any circumstances.
“We have to believe that, in all circumstances, these allies will be on our side,” he said. “And this ally of ours, which for decades has been predictable, may bring limitations in use, maintenance, components—everything that has to do with ensuring the aircraft will be operational.”
Portugal currently operates a fleet of F-16s that has been in service for over three decades. Air Force Chief João Cartaxo Alves previously warned that the country was already “falling behind” in terms of air defense capabilities.
In May 2024, Alves told news agency Lusa that replacing the F-16s could take up to a decade and that the F-35 was the only realistic option at the time. Portugal’s decision to explore European alternatives suggests a significant shift in military planning, one that may delay the transition to a new fleet even further.
The F-35 has been widely adopted by NATO members, with countries such as the UK, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, and Poland already operating or planning to operate the aircraft. Lockheed Martin has touted the jet as “diplomacy in action,” emphasizing its role in strengthening transatlantic defense ties.
However, recent geopolitical tensions have raised questions about long-term dependence on US-made military hardware. Washington’s increasingly transactional approach to alliances—seen in trade disputes, defense cost-sharing demands, and shifting military commitments—has led some European nations to reassess their defense strategies.
Portugal’s rejection of the F-35 could be an early sign of a broader European movement toward reducing reliance on American defense systems. France has long advocated for greater European military autonomy, and Germany has recently increased investment in domestic defense projects.
If Portugal follows through with its plan to purchase European fighter jets, the most likely candidates are:
- Eurofighter Typhoon: A multi-role fighter developed by a European consortium, already in service with Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain.
- Dassault Rafale: A French-built fighter jet known for its versatility and strong operational track record.
- Saab Gripen E: A Swedish-built fighter designed for cost-effective operation, though it lacks the stealth capabilities of the F-35.
While these aircraft do not offer the same level of stealth and networked warfare capabilities as the F-35, they provide greater operational independence and avoid potential restrictions imposed by the US.
Portugal’s decision to reconsider its fighter jet procurement is not just about aircraft—it reflects a deeper strategic shift in how European nations approach defense cooperation. If other NATO allies follow suit, the dominance of the F-35 as the alliance’s standard fighter jet could face challenges.
The US remains the world’s leading arms supplier, but Portugal’s move highlights growing unease over the long-term reliability of American commitments. The question now is whether other European nations will take similar steps toward defense independence—or whether US policymakers will address the concerns that led Portugal to look elsewhere.
