# Portugal fighter jet procurement competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-fighter-jet-procurement-competition
> Updated: 2026-10-09T00:29:41.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 4.

Portugal is engaged in a competitive process to replace its fleet of 28 F-16M fighter jets. Major aerospace manufacturers are vying for the contract, including Airbus with the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Aviation with the Rafale, Lockheed Martin with the F-35, and Saab with the Gripen E.

Dassault Aviation, representing partners Thales and Safran, has signed a memorandum of understanding with AED Cluster Portugal to explore industrial cooperation. This follows the official submission of a Rafale bid to the Portuguese government and Air Force in July 2026.

Airbus has announced its intention to submit a spontaneous proposal for the Eurofighter Typhoon. This proposal is expected to include public-private financing solutions to reduce budgetary impacts, alongside an industrial package spanning 40 years that includes manufacturing, software development, cybersecurity, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul work for Portuguese companies.

As of October 2026, the procurement process has gained momentum. Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel confirmed that the government is “seriously examining” the American proposal for the F-35 Lightning II following discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While the F-35 is a primary focus, Rangel emphasized that Lisbon remains open to other alternatives to ensure decisions align with national interests. The contract value is estimated to be between 3 and 5 billion euros. While the Portuguese Air Force has reportedly indicated a preference for the F-35, Defense Minister Nuno Melo has maintained the necessity of a competitive process to maximize benefits for national industry and security.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Portugal evaluates F-35 as potential replacement for F-16 fleet

Portugal is considering the American F-35 to replace its aging F-16 fleet, facing competition from Europe's Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Gripen E in a potential multi-billion euro defense deal.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-evaluates-f-35-as-potential-replacement-for-f-16-fleet

### 2026-09-29: Airbus proposes Eurofighter Typhoon to replace Portugal's F-16 fleet

Airbus is proposing the Eurofighter Typhoon to replace Portugal's F-16 fleet, competing against the Dassault Rafale after Lisbon moved away from the US-made F-35 option.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-proposes-eurofighter-typhoon-to-replace-portugals-f-16-fleet

### 2026-09-26: Dassault Aviation signs cooperation agreement with AED Cluster Portugal

Dassault Aviation and Airbus are strengthening ties with Portuguese industry as they compete to supply the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon to replace Portugal’s F-16 fighter fleet.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dassault-aviation-signs-cooperation-agreement-with-aed-cluster-portugal

### 2026-09-23: Portugal fighter jet race: Airbus and Dassault vie to replace F-16 fleet

Airbus and Dassault Aviation are competing to replace Portugal's F-16 fleet, with Airbus proposing the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault promoting the Rafale through new industrial cooperation agreements.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dassault-aviation-signs-industrial-cooperation-agreement-in-portugal

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Cite as: Portugal fighter jet procurement competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-fighter-jet-procurement-competition