U.S. Urges Portugal to Choose F-35 Jets and Strengthen Ties with Western Allies

Post by : Saif

The United States has publicly encouraged Portugal to modernize its air force by purchasing F-35 fighter jets. The message was delivered by US Ambassador John Arrigo, who said that buying the advanced aircraft would strengthen Portugal’s military power and improve its position within NATO and Europe.

Portugal currently operates F-16 fighter jets, which have been in service for many years. While these aircraft have performed well, they are aging and will eventually need replacement. Military technology has advanced rapidly, and many NATO countries are upgrading to newer systems that offer better performance and stronger protection.

The F-35 Lightning II, built by Lockheed Martin, is considered one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. It is a fifth-generation stealth aircraft designed to avoid radar detection and operate in highly complex battle environments. The aircraft can carry modern weapons, gather intelligence, and share information quickly with allied forces during missions.

According to Ambassador Arrigo, more than 900 F-35 jets are already in service or on order across Europe. He said that choosing the F-35 would ensure “interoperability,” meaning Portuguese forces could operate smoothly with other NATO members that use the same aircraft. When countries use similar equipment, joint missions become easier, training programs are more efficient, and logistics are simpler.

The ambassador described the F-35 as the best available option and suggested that it would place the Portuguese Air Force among Europe’s top military forces. He compared it to entering the “Champions League” of air defense.

However, Portugal has not yet started the formal selection process for replacing its fighter fleet. Defence Minister Nuno Melo stated previously that no final decision has been made. The government is expected to carefully study all available options before committing to such a large purchase.

Buying F-35 jets would require a significant financial investment. These aircraft are expensive not only to purchase but also to maintain and operate over time. Defense experts often point out that long-term maintenance, pilot training, and system upgrades add to the total cost.

Ambassador Arrigo also encouraged Portugal to increase its defense spending. NATO has discussed raising its long-term spending target to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035. Portugal currently spends about 2% of its GDP on defense. Reaching a higher target would require major budget adjustments and could lead to political debate inside the country.

Defense spending is often a sensitive issue. Governments must balance military needs with public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Any decision to increase military budgets can become a topic of public discussion.

Beyond defense, the ambassador also spoke about Portugal’s economic relationship with China. After the eurozone debt crisis between 2011 and 2014, Portugal accepted a 78-billion-euro bailout from the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Central Bank. During that difficult period, foreign investors, including Chinese companies, increased their presence in Portugal.

Several major Chinese firms now hold important shares in Portuguese companies. China Three Gorges owns a significant stake in energy company EDP. State Grid Corporation of China holds a share in the electricity grid operator REN. The Hong Kong-listed company Fosun controls parts of Millennium BCP bank and the insurance company Fidelidade.

Portugal also joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2018, which aims to expand global trade and infrastructure links. The initiative has helped strengthen economic ties between Lisbon and Beijing.

Ambassador Arrigo said the United States is not asking Portugal to choose between Washington and Beijing. Instead, he used the term “de-risking.” This approach focuses on reducing security risks, especially in areas like cybersecurity and investment screening, while still maintaining economic cooperation where possible.

He stated that the United States views Portugal as a close partner and ally. At the same time, he suggested that relations between the two countries could grow even stronger if Portugal reconsidered its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as Italy did in 2023.

Portugal now finds itself at an important moment. Decisions about fighter jets, defense spending, and economic partnerships will shape the country’s future direction. Choosing the F-35 would signal strong alignment with NATO’s leading military powers. Maintaining balanced economic ties with China will also require careful planning.

In today’s changing global environment, countries must manage both security concerns and economic interests. Portugal’s leaders will need to weigh military modernization against financial costs and diplomatic relationships. The choices made in the coming years could influence the nation’s defense strategy and international partnerships for decades.

#trending #latest #Portugal #F35 #NATO #USPortugalRelations #DefenseSpending #ChinaRelations #EuropeanSecurity #GlobalPolitics