- Portugal reconsidates the purchase of the F-35S about changing US relations with Europe.
- Portugal is preparing to spend $ 6 billion to transport its air force to the plane.
- But the Minister of Defense said that Trump’s position on NATO “should be taken into account.”
Portugal says that it is not associated with replacing the ancient F-16s in the United States with the F-35S about doubts about President Donald Trump’s behavior towards US allies, as well as future access to maintenance and parts.
On Thursday, Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Milo The público newspaper was told This “we cannot ignore the geopolitical environment in our choices.”
He also said that the latest American position towards NATO “should make us think about better Options. “
Milo, who also drives the CDS-People party in Portugal, did not rule out completely buying planes, but said: “The world has already changed.”
This is the potential loss of a profitable contract for Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of conflict, which seemed to have been closed.
Last April, Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff, General Joao Caraxo Alves He said This experimental training with Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force began already, before his expected transfer of $ 6 billion to F-35.
The F-35 Lightning II is one of the most fighter aircraft in the world.
Cold in the air
Milo’s comments came amid the chill in relations between the United States and Europe, especially because of military issues.
Trump marginalized European leaders from the recent peace negotiations in Russia-Ukraine, and has repeatedly criticized the financial contributions of Europe in the defense of Ukraine.
Milo said Portugal has always seen the United States as a reliable ally, but the recent changes in the United States must be taken into account towards NATO and the rest of the world.
It also sparked fears that the United States can place restrictions on maintenance and supply of ingredients for F-35: “Everything related to ensuring the plane operating and using it in all types of scenarios.”
Portugal is facing Snap elections after its government lost a confidence vote this week, as it has given more uncertainty about the country’s long -term position towards the plane.
At least 10 European countries have F-35s in their fleets, and Lucheid Martin has industrial partnerships in six European countries. The company f-35 described it as a “favorite NATO standard fighter.”
Norway Declare In February, she delivered three F-35s, raising her fleet from the plane to 49.
Earlier this week, the Dutch Defense Minister, Robin Brikman, told reporters that the partner countries F-35 are still fully committed to the program.
In a statement sent to BI, Lockheed Martin said it was “appreciating our partnership and strong history with the Portuguese Air Force and is looking to continue this partnership in the future.”
I also mentioned that questions about F-35 foreign military sales are being treated in the best way by the United States government.
The White House and the Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
