Portugal seriously considers US F-35 jets along with other options

Portugal is seriously considering the US proposal for F-35 fighters alongside European alternatives to replace its 28 upgraded F-16M aircraft, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said on October 8. The statement followed talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Lisbon, where Rangel said the choice would reflect Portugal's national interests. Lockheed Martin's F-35 faces competition from the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen E. Portugal has yet to launch a formal replacement tender, so the comments confirm consideration of the aircraft rather than a selection, purchase agreement or delivery schedule.