Portugal Reconsiders F-35 Purchase
During an interview with Portuguese media, Portuguese Minister of Defense Nuno Melo revealed that Portugal may be reconsidering its plan to purchase US 5th generation F-35 fighters. The defense minister cited geopolitical concerns and raised doubts about the reliability of the US.
“[Our] F-16s are reaching the end of their service life, and we will need to consider their replacement. However, our choices cannot be made in isolation from the geopolitical landscape. The recent position of the United States, within NATO and in the broader geostrategic context, forces us to carefully evaluate the best options, as the reliability of our allies is a crucial factor to consider. We must have confidence that, in all circumstances, those allies will stand by our side.”
The Portuguese Air Force had previously indicated that it sees the F-35 as the best candidate for the future Portuguese Air fleet. Nevertheless, Melo highlighted that the changed international environment forces Portugal to take other factors into account.
“The world has already changed. US elections have taken place, and the Secretary of Defense, along with the President himself, have outlined their stance on NATO and global affairs. Their position must be taken into account in Europe, including in decisions affecting Portugal.”
Despite these statements, Melo refused to elaborate on what specific alternative platforms are being considered by Portugal. It is also worth noting that Melo did not outright reject the possibility of F-35 procurement. Nevertheless, Portugal’s reconsideration of the F-35 may be one of the most significant procurement consequences of the Trump Administration’s recent pivot against Europe.
Until recently, the F-35 had been steadily becoming the new standard fighter of Europe, with 13 NATO countries (other than the US) having placed orders for the aircraft. Now, other nations like Canada are also reconsidering their F-35 orders. However, finding equally capable alternatives will be difficult given that Europe does not currently produce any fifth generation stealth fighters.
Some recent reporting has raised concern about a potential F-35 kill switch, however, the existence of such a feature is extremely unlikely; its inclusion would cripple the F-35 by making it vulnerable to adversary cyber-attacks. Nevertheless, operating the F-35 at full capacity requires access to US replacement parts, software updates, and other support services. With the US willing to seek leverage over European states by crossing red lines it had previously never crossed, it appears that Europe can no longer feel confident in the long-term reliability of the United States. However, even European aircraft often rely on US parts. For example, the Swedish Jas-39 Gripen has an American engine.
Melo’s statements are emblematic of the changing attitudes in Europe towards reliance on the US in defense procurement. Nevertheless, the extent of supply chain independence Europe will seek to achieve is still an open question. The Netherlands, in contrast with Canada and Denmark, have recently reiterated their commitment to buying the F-35.