Following the Portuguese government’s disenchantment with the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, the Portuguese Air Force has been evaluating and weighing proposals to move forward, in the medium term, with the replacement of its current F-16M Fighting Falcon fleet. These combat aircraft, officially introduced into service in 1994 and later upgraded through MLU programs, have already been in service for over 30 years. Several companies and consortiums, aware of this situation, are preparing proposals and establishing agreements in this regard. The most recent development was announced by Airbus Defence and Space, which has taken the first step toward a potential partnership aimed at positioning the Eurofighter Typhoon as the strongest option to replace Portugal’s F-16s.
Defending Portuguese and European skies for over 30 years
As of today, the backbone of the Portuguese Air Force’s combat aviation consists of a fleet of approximately 27 F-16A/B Block 15 MLU fighters, acquired since the mid-1990s through the Peace Atlantis I and II programs.
As reported, the F-16Ms are organized into two combat units — the 201st “Falcões” Squadron and the 301st “Jaguares” Squadron — which have been deployed in missions ranging from safeguarding and protecting Portuguese airspace to defending NATO allies across various parts of Eastern Europe, as demonstrated by their participation in Air Policing operations.
A necessary replacement
Beyond their long and distinguished operational history, as well as the modernization and upgrade programs carried out, the reality is that Portugal’s F-16Ms are entering the final phase of their operational life — a fact acknowledged by both the Air Force and the government. Thus, the most logical replacement, following the path taken by other European program members (Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium), seemed to be the adoption of the fifth-generation F-35A — provided that economic and financial conditions allowed it. However, events and the stance taken by the U.S. government earlier this year toward several of its European allies prompted various governments to reconsider Lockheed Martin’s proposal.
In the words of Portugal’s Minister of Defense, Nuno Melo, at the time: “The F-16s are at the end of their cycle, and we will have to think about their replacement. However, we cannot ignore the geopolitical environment in our decisions. The recent position of the United States, within NATO and in the broader geostrategic context, should make us reflect on the best options, as the predictability of our allies is a fundamental advantage. We must believe that, under any circumstance, these allies will stand by our side.”
Although the White House has since softened this stance, the situation left its mark on several European countries, which fear that the dominant position of the manufacturer and the U.S. government may prevent them from exercising greater control over the platform — a concern acknowledged by several current F-35 operators, particularly regarding the aircraft’s software, essential updates, and operational aspects related to mission planning and execution.
The Airbus and Eurofighter consortium proposal
Recently, Airbus Defence and Space announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Portuguese Aeronautics, Space and Defense Industries Cluster (AED Cluster Portugal) “to identify cooperation opportunities with a view to the upcoming replacement of the country’s fighter fleet.” The company added: “Airbus and AED have established the foundation to begin a series of studies aimed at creating an industrial value proposal to replace the current Portuguese F-16 fleet with a truly European solution: the Eurofighter program.”
The importance of this first step should not be underestimated, as AED Cluster Portugal brings together 150 companies in the aerospace sector — both local and international — operating in Portuguese territory, including OGMA and Embraer.
As for Airbus Defence and Space and the Eurofighter consortium — which unites the program’s founding and operating nations (Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy) — they seek to build upon the momentum of recent combat aircraft orders for Tranche 4 and 5 under Spain’s Halcón I and II, Germany’s Quadriga, and an additional order for 20 aircraft, while Italy is negotiating a purchase of 24 more.
It should also be noted that the Eurofighter user community recently expanded with Turkey’s signing of a contract with the United Kingdom for the purchase of 20 new Typhoons during the British Prime Minister’s state visit to Ankara.
Other options are also on the table
Beyond Airbus’s announcement, the Portuguese Air Force is also assessing other options as alternatives to the F-35, following the example of other nations. Specifically, potential proposals from Dassault Aviation with its Rafale, and Saab with the Gripen E, are under consideration — both backed by their respective governments in Paris and Stockholm.
Moreover, and in the realm of speculation, Lockheed Martin should not be completely ruled out, as the company could improve its proposal to equip the Portuguese Air Force with the F-35, offering concessions and technology transfer that might convince Lisbon to reconsider the American fifth-generation fighter.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
