Portugal has suspended its plans to purchase US-made F-35 fighter jets and shifted its focus to European-built alternatives. Airbus is preparing an official offer to supply Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to Portugal.
European aviation giant Airbus aims to sell Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Portugal, which is seeking a Europe-based alternative to the US F-35 stealth fighter.
French Dassault Rafale and Swedish Saab Gripen-E/F aircraft are also among Airbus’s competitors in Portugal’s new fighter procurement race.
Portugal Rejected the F-35 Plan
Portugal, which had planned to replace its F-16A/B fleet with F-35A aircraft, halted the process with a decision taken in March 2025.
Defence Minister Nuno Melo announced that his country had decided to “turn towards the European defence industry,” stating: “There are several options that need to be considered, especially within the context of European production.”
Portugal also took into account the operational autonomy risks associated with the F-35’s software and maintenance infrastructure, which entail a high degree of dependency.
Airbus Signed an Agreement with Portugal
On 27 October 2025, Airbus Defence & Space signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Portuguese Aerospace, Space and Defence Industry Cluster (AED).
The agreement covers the preparation of a joint industrial proposal for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to replace the Portuguese Air Force’s F-16 fleet.
José Luis de Miguel, Head of the European Region at Airbus Defence & Space, made the following statement regarding the agreement:
“European sovereignty and industrial autonomy are at the heart of our strategy. The Eurofighter is the most suitable and sustainable option for Portugal’s fighter modernisation programme.”
Airbus is also exploring opportunities for local production and industrial cooperation in Portugal. The company stated that this collaboration has the potential to create around 1,600 jobs.
The Eurofighter Consortium is Strengthening
The Eurofighter Typhoon consortium is led by Airbus and jointly managed by Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and Italy.
Airbus holds a 46% majority share on behalf of Germany and Spain, British BAE Systems owns 33%, and Italian Leonardo holds 21%.
The Typhoon has regained global momentum in the last two years.
Between 2024 and 2025, it received more than 80 new orders; Türkiye is also preparing to become the consortium’s 10th operational member with its planned purchase of 20 Eurofighter jets.
Why Did Portugal Abandon the F-35?
The Portuguese Air Force had initially issued positive reports about the F-35A, viewing the project favourably due to the aircraft’s 5th-generation stealth capability and NATO integration.
However, by late 2024, restrictions on maintenance and software systems controlled by the US — combined with statements from the Trump administration about a possible NATO withdrawal — led to a change in direction.
In an interview, Defence Minister Nuno Melo said:
“We cannot ignore the geopolitical environment. The United States’ stance within NATO has driven us to work with more predictable allies. European production is a safer choice in terms of strategic autonomy.”
Europe’s Own Wings
Portugal’s decision coincides with a period in which the concept of defence autonomy is gaining strength across Europe.
Many countries are turning to European-built fighter jets to reduce strategic dependency on the United States.
A New Era for the Eurofighter
Experts note that if Portugal opts for the Eurofighter, it would strengthen the Typhoon’s position in Europe against the F-35.
The Eurofighter Typhoon stands out for its multi-role capability, 4.5-generation sensor fusion system, and advanced European weapon integration.
New export deals are being described as the aircraft’s renaissance on the global stage.
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