The United States ambassador to Portugal, John Arrigo, has publicly called on Lisbon to accelerate plans to modernise its air force by purchasing F‑35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. Speaking in an interview with Portuguese media, Arrigo made the strategic case that replacing Portugal’s ageing fleet of F‑16s with fifth‑generation stealth fighters would enhance the Portuguese Air Force’s interoperability with Western air forces and help cement its role among Europe’s most advanced militaries.
Arrigo also linked the potential acquisition to broader defence goals. He urged Portugal to significantly increase its defence spending toward NATO’s guideline of 5 percent of gross domestic product by 2035, up from its current level of about 2 percent. The ambassador said his own business background shapes his belief in the strategic and economic benefits of higher defence investment.
Describing the F‑35 as “the best fighter” and noting that more than 900 F‑35s are in service or on order across Europe, Arrigo argued that the aircraft would integrate seamlessly with the systems used by key NATO allies. He also pointed out that approximately 25 percent of the jet’s components are produced in Europe, strengthening its appeal within the continent’s defence industrial base.
Portugal’s Defence Minister, Nuno Melo, however, has previously indicated that the process to select replacement fighters for the F‑16 has not formally begun as of late 2025, leaving the decision still open to deliberation.
On broader diplomatic themes, Arrigo affirmed that the United States is not pressuring Portugal to choose between Washington and Beijing, despite concerns over strategic investment and cybersecurity. He described U.S. policy as focused on “de‑risking” economic ties with China rather than full decoupling, noting significant Chinese investment stakes in Portuguese companies. Arrigo said the bilateral partnership would benefit from continued alignment on security and economic standards.
The ambassador’s comments come amid wider discussions in Europe about defence modernization and alliance cohesion. For Lisbon, the choice of future fighter jets carries implications not only for national defence capability but also for Portugal’s role within NATO and European security frameworks.
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