Portugal Drops Plans for F-35 Citing U.S. Political Uncertainty
theaviationist.com
The recent shift in U.S. policy toward NATO has led the Portuguese Defense Minister to deem a potential F-35 procurement unlikely. In an interview with

Summary

Portugal has abandoned plans to buy F-35 fighter jets due to concerns over the Trump administration’s NATO stance and potential U.S. restrictions on foreign-operated aircraft.

Defense Minister Nuno Melo cited unpredictability in U.S. policy as a key factor, despite earlier Air Force plans to replace aging F-16s with F-35s.

Portugal now considers European alternatives like the Rafale, Gripen, or Eurofighter.

The decision reflects growing European unease over U.S. defense commitments, with other nations likely to reconsider American-made military equipment.

  • booly@sh.itjust.works
    4·
    8 hours ago

    We’re saying the same thing.

    I read your comment to say “the only thing stopping the kill switch is rules,” when I’m pointing out that “the only thing constituting a kill switch is rules,” and those are two distinct ideas that have different implications.