Portugal abandons plans to replace its F-16 jets with F-35s due to Trump
Photo: F-35 fighter jets (Getty Images)
Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo, who will soon leave his post, announced the cancellation of plans to purchase American F-35 fighter jets to replace the country's fleet of F-16s. He attributed this decision to the policies of US President Donald Trump, according to Politico.
Western media note that this case is one of the first examples of the "US president killing a potential lucrative arms deal."
During a conversation with the Portuguese press, Melo was asked whether the government would follow the recommendation of the country's Air Force to acquire Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets.
"We cannot ignore the geopolitical environment in our choices. The recent position of the United States, in the context of NATO ... must make us think about the best options because the predictability of our allies is a greater asset to take into account," responded the outgoing defense minister.
According to Melo, "The world has changed ... and this ally of ours ... could bring limitations to use, maintenance, components, and everything that has to do with ensuring that aircraft will be operational and used in all types of scenarios."
Politico reports that due to the "dramatic realignment" under Trump's leadership - who on March 13 "said again he would annex Greenland and threatened Canada" - there are concerns that the US government could decide to block access to software updates and spare parts necessary for the full operational readiness of the F-35.
Melo also added that several alternative options should be considered, "particularly in the context of European production."
Earlier this week, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that the Netherlands would not cancel its contract for aircraft deliveries. However, official Lisbon has not yet signed an agreement on military aviation.
As previously reported, Portugal is holding early elections following the collapse of the center-right government. The country's president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, announced the elections in a speech on March 13.
