Portugal fighter jet race: Airbus and Dassault vie to replace F-16 fleet

fighter jet procurement Eurofighter Typhoon Rafale F-16 replacement Portuguese Air Force

Portugal is facing a competitive race to replace its fleet of 28 F-16M fighter jets. Airbus has announced plans to submit an unsolicited proposal for the Eurofighter Typhoon, expected between late October and early November. Airbus is positioning the Typhoon as an ideal solution for Portugal's specific mission requirements, such as air policing and NATO Quick Reaction Alert duties, contrasting it with the Lockheed Martin F-35, which it suggests is optimized for deep offensive strikes.

To increase the attractiveness of its bid, Airbus intends to offer various public and private financing solutions, alongside opportunities for industrial participation and military cooperation. The Eurofighter is produced by a consortium including Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo.

Simultaneously, Dassault Aviation is strengthening its campaign for the Rafale fighter. The French company recently signed a memorandum of understanding with AED Cluster Portugal to identify cooperation opportunities between the Portuguese aeronautical industry and the Rafale production ecosystem, involving partners like Thales and Safran.

While the Portuguese Air Force has reportedly indicated a preference for the F-35, Defense Minister Nuno Melo has emphasized the need for a competitive process to maximize benefits for the nation's industry and security. Other potential candidates in the procurement race include Saab's Gripen E.

Entities

AED Cluster Portugal · Airbus · Dassault Aviation · Lockheed Martin · Nuno Melo · Portugal · Portugal Air Force · Safran · Thales

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The Eurofighter is produced by a consortium including Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. ordu.az · fr.businessam.be · www.airdatanews.com · defence-industry.eu
[● 2 SOURCES] Defense Minister Nuno Melo has called for a competitive procurement process. ordu.az · fr.businessam.be
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Portuguese Air Force has expressed a preference for the Lockheed Martin F-35. www.airdatanews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Dassault Aviation's Rafale is also a candidate for the replacement program. ordu.az · fr.businessam.be · defence-industry.eu
[● 3 SOURCES] Airbus intends to offer financing solutions, including public and private options, to Portugal. ordu.az · fr.businessam.be · defence-industry.eu
[● 5 SOURCES] Airbus plans to submit an unsolicited Eurofighter Typhoon proposal to Portugal by late October or early November. ordu.az · fr.businessam.be · www.airdatanews.com · defence-industry.eu · dinheirovivo.dn.pt
[● 3 SOURCES] The Eurofighter proposal aims to replace Portugal's fleet of 28 F-16M aircraft. ordu.az · fr.businessam.be · defence-industry.eu
[● 2 SOURCES] Dassault Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with AED Cluster Portugal. www.aereo.jor.br · www.konflikty.pl