Portugal’s defense minister, Nuno Melo, has thrown uncertainty over whether the country will proceed with buying American F-35 fighter jets, pointing to U.S. President Donald Trump’s shifting foreign policies.
In a recent interview with Público, Melo acknowledged that the global landscape had changed, particularly after the latest U.S. elections. When asked about replacing Portugal’s aging F-16 fleet with U.S. aircraft, he didn’t give a definitive answer.
“The world isn’t what it was,” he noted. “The U.S. has taken a new stance on NATO and international relations. That has to factor into Europe’s— and Portugal’s—decisions.”
His concerns stem from the unpredictability of the U.S. as an ally. While Washington has historically been a reliable defense partner, Melo warned that under the current administration, potential restrictions on aircraft maintenance, component supply, and operational use could pose challenges.
Portugal had begun transitioning to F-35s under former President Joe Biden in 2024, but now, Melo suggests a rethink is necessary. “Our F-16s are reaching the end of their service life, and we need to consider replacements. But we can’t ignore shifting geopolitics,” he explained. “The reliability of our allies is a major factor in any decision we make.”
Despite reaffirming Portugal’s commitment to NATO and acknowledging the U.S. as a critical partner, Melo stressed that blind trust wasn’t an option. He urged caution, pointing out that European nations must adapt to the evolving political climate and weigh all possible defense strategies.
When pressed on whether Portugal might look to EU allies—such as France—for alternative fighter jets, Melo declined to comment, leaving the door open for speculation.
Portugal’s next move remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: with tensions rising over transatlantic relations, Lisbon isn’t rushing into any commitments.
