Portugal wants F-35s, but has no firm plans in place
The Portuguese Air Force’s chief said moving to the F-35s was crucial. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The Portuguese Air Force’s leader has outlined the importance of embracing the F-35 to maintain the country's air capabilities despite the absence of a formal procurement plan for the latest Lockheed Martin fighter.
The Portuguese Air Force (PoAF) has its eyes on the F-35 as the F-16 replacement, despite the lack of a clear procurement plan, according to the service’s chief.
Transitioning from the earlier generation Lockheed Martin fighter to the latest was an effort needed to maintain the PoAF’s capabilities in line with other European nations that are or will be operating the F-35, said PoAF chief of staff General Joao Cartaxo Alves.
Alves said that moving to the F-35s was crucial, adding that it was “something that is happening, but it is not done in one day”.
“This process has already begun,” he remarked. “We
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon]()
Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon
The technology demonstrator forms part of a wider effort to help the Royal Navy explore the potential of uncrewed systems supporting its existing crewed aviation platforms.
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
![November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs]()
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
-
![Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill]()
Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill
This test is the latest milestone achieved by the indigenous drone, destroying a target using a beyond-visual-range missile.
