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US Ambassador Urges Portugal to Buy F-35

February 23, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

US Ambassador John Arrigo urges Portugal to buy F-35.
Portugal has not launched a formal selection process for a new fighter.
Defense Minister Nuno Melo says no purchase decision has been made.

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Strategic Implications

This push may indicate the US's growing interest in expanding the F-35 user community within NATO, which could strengthen alliance interoperability but also raises concerns about dependence on US systems and long-term sustainment costs.

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What Happened

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.

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