Portugal rethinks F‑35 purchase, eyes Sweden's Gripen jets
Seeking to acquire about 30-40 new fighter jets, Portugal is having serious doubts about the F-35. Recent actions by the U.S. administration and Europe's concerns about becoming too dependent on American weaponry have led Portugal to consider other options. Analysts from Defense Express highlight which aircraft are now being considered.
In 2023, the Chief of the Air Staff of Portugal, João Cartaxo Alves, announced that the currently used F-16s were slated to be replaced by F-35s. Throughout 2024, Portuguese authorities reiterated this stance, identifying the F-35 as a clear favorite to enhance the country's combat aviation. However, recent developments have drastically changed the situation, and Portugal's Defense Minister, Nuno Melo, stated that "the geopolitical environment cannot be ignored", referencing declining trust in Donald Trump and the USA.
Portugal and the choice of new fighter jets
João Nogueira, Director of the Weapon Systems Maintenance Division in the Portuguese Air Force, claims that the F-35 can no longer be considered a favorite, and other options are now under consideration. Analysts from Defense Express believe that, in practice, the main competitor to the F-35 for the Portuguese Air Force's future contract is the JAS-39 Gripen.
According to Swedish media, the JAS-39 Gripen has already been officially offered to Canada and Portugal. Manufactured by Saab, this aircraft features canard control surfaces, providing excellent maneuverability, and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (approximately 1,324 mph) while operating at altitudes up to 59,055 feet. One of its most original features is its ability to operate from improvised runways, such as hardened roads only several hundred meters long. It is also significantly cheaper, both to purchase and maintain, than American fighters. The Gripen can carry various armaments and is equipped with an AESA radar and the IRST Skyward-G system.
Stealth technology jet
In the context of new combat aircraft for the Portuguese Air Force, along with the American trajectory, the conventional variant of the F-35, the F-35A, is under consideration. This single-seat multirole fighter jet is distinguished by its stealth technology, which provides low detectability in flight.
As noted by analysts from Defense Express, this could serve as a strong bargaining chip for the U.S. Moreover, in most NATO countries, the F-35A forms the backbone of combat aviation, ensuring high interoperability among Alliance forces.
The F-35A is also equipped to conduct electronic warfare and capable of carrying several tons of conventional armament, including various missiles and bombs. This fighter jet achieves a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (about 1,243 mph).
