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[INTERNATIONAL] · Portugal, Morocco, Algeria · 10 sources

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Portugal debates F-35 purchase amid strategic concerns

Portugal is debating the replacement of its F-16A/B fighter fleet. Former Defense Minister João Gomes Cravinho has characterized the potential purchase of the American F-35A as a ‘grave error,’ citing concerns over long-term strategic dependency on the United States for software, logistics, and updates.

While a technical study by the Portuguese Air Force placed the F-35A at the top of its 20-point evaluation, followed by the Gripen E, the government has not yet made a final decision. Other competitors in the procurement process include the Saab Gripen E, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Dassault Aviation Rafale, the latter of which has recently engaged in discussions regarding industrial cooperation within Portugal.

Entities

Dassault Aviation · João Gomes Cravinho · Saab