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
-
![“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform]()
“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has promised to usher in a new era of “military drone dominance”.
-
![Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS]()
Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS
The possible sale for nine HH-60W by the US government could make Norway the first Foreign Military Sale customer for the rescue and combat helicopter and add to the country’s ongoing acquisition of Sikorsky-made helicopters.
-
![France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production]()
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
