Portugal to shun F-35 Jets, goes for French Rafales
Trump has really spooked Europe apart from creating geopolitical tensions and uncertainties surrounding U.S. foreign policy.
This has prompted many European nations to reassess their defence strategies and procurement decisions. Portugal has taken a quick decision.
It’s Defence Minister Nuno Melo’s in an interview with Públic on March 13, 2025, revealed that Portugal will not be pursuing the acquisition of the F-35 fifth-generation jet, primarily due to concerns about Donald Trump’s presidency.
Portugal’s air force has been operating U.S.-made F-16 Fighting Falcons since the 1990s, and while these aircraft have been upgraded, they are nearing the end of their service life. So these obsolete jets need replacement.
The F-35 was considered as a potential replacement, with discussions intensifying in April 2024 when the head of the Portuguese Air Force indicated a transition towards the F-35.
However, the Ministry of Defence quickly dismissed these claims, stating that no formal procurement was underway.Melo’s has thus effectively closed the door on the F-35 for Portugal, due to doubts about the U.S.’s commitment to its allies under Trump administration.
Trump’s previous criticisms of NATO and demands for increased defence spending have raised concerns about the U.S.’s willingness to support its allies.
The F-35’s reliance on U.S. systems, including software updates, spare parts, and operational control, further exacerbates these concerns, as Portugal fears potential disruptions due to policy shifts in Washington.
14 NATO nations are already committed to the F-35 but Portugal’s rejection could create a ripple effect, potentially influencing other smaller allies to re consider.
This could undermine the F-35’s role as the alliance’s primary fighter jet and impact Lockheed Martin’s export sales, which are crucial for maintaining production and reducing unit costs.
Portugal has enough options such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale as possibilities. However, integrating these aircraft with Portugal’s existing U.S.-built fleet would present logistical challenges.
Ultimately, Portugal’s next move will shape its role within NATO and influence how the U.S. projects its power across the Atlantic.
European alternatives such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale, also offer greater autonomy from U.S. supply chains.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, flown by countries like Germany, Spain, and the UK, is a multi-role fighter that aligns well with NATO’s operational requirements, though its cost is comparable to the F-35.
The Dassault Rafale, known for its combat capabilities, presents logistical challenges if integrated into Portugal’s existing U.S.-built fleet.
Despite these challenges, European options are gaining traction as they provide a means to reduce dependence on U.S. military equipment and enhance defence autonomy.
The F-35 program relies heavily on international sales to maintain its economic viability, and any decline in allied purchases could impact the program’s overall cost structure.
As it is India has already outright rejected the F21 which USA has been trying desperately to foist on India. Also F35 is just not suitable for the IAF.
So here too Rafale is going to beat F35 by huge margin. India is also likely to go in for 6 to 7 more Squadrons of Rafale through Make in India.
Along with it, IA may also be getting 3 to 6 Squadrons of SU57 MKI, again by manufacturing it in India.
These acquisitions are required as gap fillers to bolster Squadron numbers and will be te last of the imported fighters.
The mainstay of IAF is going to be the Tejas series Mk1A and Mk2 followed by Mk3 with Indigenous engine. Similarly there will be AMCA in Mk1 and Mk2 versions.
So by 2045, out of 64 fighter Squadrons with IAF, only about 20 Squadrons will be of foreign design ie SU 30 MKI, SU 57 MKI and Rafales.
