# Portugal Evaluates Fighter Jet Replacement

Portugal is actively evaluating proposals to replace its aging F-16 fighter jet fleet, with a formal procurement process expected to launch soon. Airbus plans to submit a Eurofighter Typhoon proposal by late October or early November 2026, competing against Lockheed Martin's F-35A, Dassault's Rafale, and Saab's Gripen E. The Portuguese Air Force and government are weighing technical capabilities, geopolitical considerations, and industrial participation benefits, including sustainment logistics and support for NATO's Atlantic defense posture. This procurement will significantly impact defense contractors and aerospace industry partnerships within Portugal and the broader European defense sector.

- **Key agencies involved:** Portuguese Air Force (FAP) and Portuguese Government are leading the evaluation and decision-making process.
- **Prime contractors competing:** Airbus (Eurofighter Typhoon), Lockheed Martin (F-35A), Dassault Aviation (Rafale), Saab (Gripen E), with industrial partners like BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Embraer potentially involved.
- **Why this matters:** The decision will influence Portugal's defense capabilities, NATO interoperability, and local industrial participation, offering substantial opportunities for contractors to engage in supply chains and sustainment.
- **Actionable insights:** Companies should prepare for upcoming RFPs and consider strategic partnerships to meet Portugal's technical and industrial participation requirements, especially in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance support.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 27, 2026

### Government Entities
- Portuguese Air Force (FAP)
- Portuguese Government

### Vendors
- Airbus (prime contractor)
- BAE Systems (prime contractor)
- Leonardo (prime contractor)
- Lockheed Martin (prime contractor)
- Dassault Aviation (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> Airbus also proposes financing and industrial participation, drawing on relationships with Portuguese suppliers; the strategic value of that offer will depend on binding work, transferable skills and support capacity rather than supplier numbers alone.
> — Iván González Expósito, Campaign Manager

> The eventual decision will consider technical requirements alongside geopolitical factors, industrial participation and other benefits offered to the country.
> — Nuno Melo, Defence Minister of Portugal

> A proposal is expected to be submitted to the Portuguese government between late October and early November.
> — Ivan Gonzalez Exposito, Eurofighter campaign manager for Portugal

### Sources
- [Airbus to offer Eurofighter fighter jet to Portugal as F-16 replacement - Air Data News](https://www.airdatanews.com/airbus-to-offer-eurofighter-fighter-jet-to-portugal-as-f-16-replacement) - Air Data News
- [F-35 vs Rafale, Typhoon and Gripen: Portugal’s F-16 Choice Tests NATO Air Power - Defence Security Asia](https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/portugal-f16-replacement-f35-rafale-typhoon-gripen) - Defence Security Asia