US Ambassador urges Portugal to replace F-16s with F-35 fighter jets
Ambassador aims to help Portugal increase defense spending to NATO's 5% GDP target by 2035
Over 900 F-35s are already in service or on order across Europe with 25% European parts
Portugal has significant Chinese investments in key economic sectors
US promotes 'de-risking' rather than decoupling from China
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US Ambassador John Arrigo urged Portugal in Lisbon on February 23, 2026, to replace its aging F-16 fighter jets with Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth aircraft, arguing that this upgrade would ensure interoperability with Europe's top-tier air forces and help Portugal meet NATO's defense spending targets. The ambassador, who spoke to CNN Portugal late on Sunday, emphasized his business experience in helping Portugal increase its defense spending from the current 2% to NATO's target of 5% of gross domestic product by 2035. 'F-35 is the best fighter - it's a fifth-generation stealth fighter, it'll get them (the Portuguese Air Force) into the Champions League when it comes to the EU,' Arrigo stated, highlighting that over 900 F-35s are already in service or on order across Europe. He noted that 25% of the aircraft is manufactured with European parts, which could address potential concerns about technological sovereignty. Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo had previously indicated in November that the selection process for replacement fighters had not yet begun. The ambassador's remarks come amid broader discussions about Portugal's economic partnerships, particularly with China. While the US is not pushing Portugal to decouple from China, Ambassador Arrigo emphasized 'de-risking' strategies including cybersecurity measures and investment screening. Portugal has significant Chinese investments in key sectors, including utility EDP (21.4% owned by China Three Gorges), grid operator REN (25% owned by China State Grid), and bank Millennium BCP (20% owned by Hong Kong-listed Fosun). The US ambassador stated that Portugal-US relations would 'flourish' if Lisbon withdrew from China's Belt and Road Initiative, as Italy did in 2023.
American aerospace, defense, security, and technology company
The Lockheed Martin Corporation is an American defense and aerospace manufacturer. It is headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, United States. The company was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta on March 15, 1995.
Ambassadors of the United States are persons nominated by the president to serve as the United States' diplomatic representatives to foreign nations, international organizations, and as ambassadors-at-large. Under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, their appointment must be confirmed by...
This development matters because it highlights the United States' strategic push to strengthen NATO's military capabilities and deepen defense ties with European allies amid geopolitical tensions. Portugal's potential acquisition of F-35s would enhance its air force interoperability and signal a shift toward closer alignment with U.S. defense interests over other global partners.
Context & Background
Portugal currently operates aging F-16 fighter jets and spends about 2% of GDP on defense
NATO has set a target for members to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035
Chinese companies hold significant stakes in key Portuguese utilities and financial institutions
Portugal joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2018
What Happens Next
Portugal's defense ministry will likely initiate a formal selection process to replace its F-16 fleet, evaluating the F-35 against other fighter jet options. The U.S. will continue diplomatic efforts to encourage Portugal to increase defense spending and reconsider its economic partnerships with China.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F-35 fighter jet?
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin, designed for advanced combat and interoperability with allied forces.
How much does Portugal currently spend on defense?
Portugal currently allocates about 2% of its GDP to defense spending, below NATO's 2035 target of 5%.
What is the Belt and Road Initiative?
The Belt and Road Initiative is a global infrastructure development strategy launched by China to invest in nearly 150 countries, including Portugal.
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try{ var _=i o; . if(!_||_&&typeof _==="object"&&_.expiry Trump’s 15% global tariff; Waller to speak; oil drops - what’s moving markets Can gold rise to new highs above $5,600 in 2026? Bitcoin slips after earlier gains amid tariff volatility Bull vs. bear argument on Friday’s Supreme Court tariff ruling (South Africa Philippines Nigeria) US ambassador urges Portugal to buy F-35s, join top-tier air forces By Reuters Stock Markets Published 02/23/2026, 04:19 AM Updated 02/23/2026, 04:24 AM US ambassador urges Portugal to buy F-35s, join top-tier air forces 1 EDP 0.42% BCP 1.19% RENE 0.80% LMT -1.24% 0656 -2.88% By Sergio Goncalves LISBON, Feb 23 - The U.S. ambassador to Portugal has urged Lisbon to replace its ageing F-16 fighter jets with Lockheed Martin’s F-35 , saying the stealth jet would ensure interoperability with Europe’s top-tier air forces. Ambassador John Arrigo told CNN Portugal late on Sunday that he aimed to draw on his business experience to help Portugal ramp up defence spending to NATO’s target of 5% of gross domestic product by 2035 from the current 2%. "F-35 is the best fighter - it’s a fifth-generation stealth fighter, it’ll get them (the Portuguese Air Force) into the Champions League when it comes to the EU," Arrigo said. Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo said in November that the selection process for the replacement fighters had not yet started. Arrigo said more than 900 of the F-35s were in service or on order across Europe and that for "interoperability, the F-35 is definitely the way to go," noting also that 25% of the plane was made with European parts. On relations with China, the ambassador said the Trump administration was not pushing Portugal to choose between Washington and Beijing or decouple from China, The U.S. was promoting "de-risking", he said, ensuring cybersecurity and investment screening. Chinese companies expanded in Portugal following the 2011-14 bailout, when lower asset prices attracted foreign investors. Portugal sec...
