Portugal has shelved plans to buy American F-35 fighter jets, citing concerns about the United States’ reliability as an ally, under President Donald Trump.
This decision emerges as the country wrestles with its third government collapse in three years, as external pressures and domestic instability influence Portugal’s defense policy.
New elections are set for May this year.
Portugal’s Defense Shift Amid Growing U.S. Unpredictability
Defense Minister Nuno Melo acknowledged that Portugal must reconsider its military hardware choices in light of recent geopolitical developments. “The world has changed,” Melo said in an interview with Portuguese newspaper Público.
"There was a position in relation to NATO and the world, stated by the Secretary of Defense and by the US President himself, which must be taken into account in Europe and what concerns Portugal."
Despite the Portuguese Air Force’s recommendation to acquire F-35s to replace its aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets, Melo expressed concern about potential limitations on “use, maintenance, components, and everything that has to do with ensuring that aircraft will be operational.”
Instead, Portugal is now considering European-made alternatives, with Melo noting that there are “several options that must be evaluated, particularly in the context of European production, and also considering the return these options may have on the Portuguese economy.”
Government Collapse Complicates Defense Planning Efforts
The timing of this defense policy pivot couldn’t be more problematic.
Portugal is engulfed in political upheaval after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s minority government suffered a confidence vote defeat in Parliament, constituting the third government to fall in as many years.
The turmoil originated when PM Montenegro became entangled in a scandal involving his family’s data protection company, Spinumviva.
The firm allegedly received monthly payments from a group of casinos with government gambling concessions, raising concerns about a conflict of interest.
PM Montenegro initiated a confidence vote, saying he wanted "to end the atmosphere of permanent insinuations and intrigues."
However, both the Socialist Party and the far-right Chega party voted against him, toppling the government.
With snap elections expected in May, any final decision on fighter jet purchases will likely rest with the next administration.
This leaves Portugal’s defense planning in suspension at a time when NATO countries are under increased pressure to boost military spending.
Trump’s NATO Stance Sends Ripples Through Europe
Portugal’s reconsideration of the F-35 purchase echoes broader concerns about Trump’s handling of international alliances.
The U.S. President has challenged NATO’s relevance and warned about withholding defense support from allies who don’t meet spending targets.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that while “the United States remains committed to the NATO alliance,” it “will no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship which encourages dependency.”
Alternative Models On Offer
This stance has ignited fears that Washington might block access to critical software updates and spare parts for the F-35, effectively creating what some call a “kill switch” that could render the aircraft useless.
Portugal isn’t alone in its caution.
Canada has also initiated a reassessment of its F-35 order, with Defense Minister Bill Blair exploring alternatives including Sweden’s Saab Gripen.
European Options Gain Appeal Amid Uncertainties
For Portugal, the alternative fighter jet options primarily include the French-made Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, though both still contain some American components.
Military experts observe that finding a fighter jet without any American technology is nearly impossible, but European options offer more independence from U.S. political whims.
The Portuguese government must assess the added costs and intricacies of maintaining a mixed fleet against the risks of depending on a single supplier whose reliability is now in question.
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