NATO Interoperability Cited in Push for Fifth-Generation Fighter

The United States’ ambassador in Lisbon, John Arrigo, has urged Portugal to purchase Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet, citing NATO interoperability and the benefits of joining the growing European F-35 user community. Portugal has not yet launched a formal selection process for a new fighter, but Defense Minister Nuno Melo has stated that no purchase decision has been made. The Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff, General João Cartaxo Alves, has indicated that internal work on the replacement process is moving ahead, with a potential purchase range of 14 to 28 aircraft. This development was reported by AeroTime.