Fifth Generation Fighter Pushed as F-16 Successor
The US ambassador in Lisbon, John Arrigo, has publicly urged Portugal to purchase the Lockheed Martin F-35 as a replacement for its aging F-16 fleet, emphasizing NATO interoperability and the benefits of joining the growing European F-35 user community. Despite no formal selection process being launched, internal work is reportedly moving ahead, with the Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff suggesting a purchase range of 14 to 28 aircraft. Portugal has also expressed interest in participating in one of Europe’s sixth-generation fighter programs. The development was first reported by AeroTime.