Portugal was planning to replace its US-made F-16 fighter jets with more modern F-35s, but the influence of former US President Donald Trump prevented this important decision. This situation seems to go down in history as one of the first examples of Trump blocking a potentially lucrative arms deal. The Portuguese Air Force has long been considering purchasing F-35 fighter jets, but recent developments suggest that this decision faces political and strategic hurdles.
Trump's Impact: Geopolitical Concerns and Allyship
When Portugal brought up the purchase of F-35 fighter jets, it aimed to be more in line with the purchase of these aircraft by many countries. However, US foreign policy stood out as a major obstacle in Portugal’s decision. In an interview with the media, outgoing Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo said, “We cannot ignore the geopolitical environment in our choices. The recent US position in the context of NATO should make us think about the best options.” Melo’s words show that Portugal’s security and defense strategies will be shaped not only by military requirements, but also by considering relations with the US and its place within NATO.
Trump’s Impact on Aircraft Operational Status
One of the reasons Portugal is rejecting the F-35 procurement could be due to the limitations the US government plans to impose on the functionality and maintenance of the aircraft. According to Politico, Trump’s political statements, such as his plans to annex Greenland and his threats to Canada, have raised concerns that the US could decide to block access to software updates and spare parts needed for the full functionality of the F-35s. Countries like Portugal are considering alternative options, considering the negative impact of such limitations on the operational status of the fighter jets.
Transition Plan to F-35s and Strategy in Europe
The Portuguese Air Force was planning to select F-16s as the new fighter jets to replace the F-35s. However, it is still unclear how Portugal will make this decision. Air Force Commander João Cartaxo Alves stated in an interview in 2024 that the transition to the F-35s would be a long process. Alves emphasized that this transition would take approximately 20 years and would involve a total investment of 5.5 billion Euros. In addition, the first F-35 aircraft is planned to be delivered in seven years. It was also stated that Portugal wanted to act in harmony with its other allies in Europe during this process.
Alternative Options from Europe and the Future of the F-35
Portugal is also considering alternative options by considering European-made fighter jets. This situation shows how dynamically Portugal’s geopolitical and military strategies are shaping up. Although the Netherlands has announced that it will not cancel the F-35 purchase, the uncertainties Portugal is experiencing and the US’s foreign policy make it difficult for the country to make a final decision. These developments provide important clues about the future of defense strategies in Europe.
Portugal's Strategic Decisions and Future
Portugal’s decision to purchase the F-35s is not only a military choice, but also a political one. The US’s foreign policy uncertainties can directly affect the strategic decisions of a small NATO member country like Portugal. In this context, the uncertainty surrounding Portugal’s F-35 purchases could be a significant turning point that will shape the country’s future defense policies and relations with its allies.
