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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 15 sources tracked

U.S. Makes F-35 Push As Portugal Weighs F-16 Replacement

Portugal is seriously considering U.S. F-35 jets alongside European alternatives for a program to replace its 28 F-16M fighters. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Lisbon, where he met with Prime Minister Montenegro and Foreign Minister Rangel. During the visit, Rubio made a direct push for the F-35 sale, calling it the best fighter in the world and describing Portugal as an ideal gateway to Europe. The American bid faces competition from European jets as Lisbon evaluates cost, capability, and strategic implications.

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  • ✓ Portugal is seriously considering U.S. F-35 jets alongside other options to replace its F-16 fighters.
  • ✓ U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Lisbon and pushed for the F-35 sale.
  • ✓ Marco Rubio met with Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro and Foreign Minister Rangel during his visit.
  • ✓ Marco Rubio described Portugal as an ideal gateway to Europe for the United States.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 15 independent reporting domains (95% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Lisbon to actively lobby Portuguese officials to purchase the F-35.

Live updates

  1. US Pushes F-35 as Portugal Weighs Fighter Jet Options

    Portugal is seriously considering U.S. F-35 jets alongside European alternatives for a program to replace its 28 F-16M fighters. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Lisbon, where he met with Prime Minister Montenegro and Foreign Minister Rangel. During the visit, Rubio made a direct push for the F-35 sale, calling it the best fighter in the world and describing Portugal as an ideal gateway to Europe. The American bid faces competition from European jets as Lisbon evaluates cost, capability, and strategic implications.

    Why it matters

    Portugal needs to replace its aging fleet of F-16M fighters with a modern aircraft, triggering a multi-billion-euro defense procurement competition. This decision arrives amid wider U.S. pressure on NATO allies to increase their defense spending. Washington views Lisbon as a key partner in European security and trade.

    What is confirmed

    • Portugal is seriously considering U.S. F-35 jets alongside other options to replace its F-16 fighters.
    • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Lisbon and pushed for the F-35 sale.
    • Marco Rubio met with Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro and Foreign Minister Rangel during his visit.
    • Marco Rubio described Portugal as an ideal gateway to Europe for the United States.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The replacement program is valued at five billion euros and involves 28 F-16M fighters competing against European jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, and Gripen E.

    What to watch next

    • Official announcements from the Portuguese government regarding the final selection of its F-16 replacement aircraft.
    • Further details on defense spending agreements between the U.S. and Portugal following Rubio's visit.
    Sources used for this update (17)
    1. TWZ — U.S. Makes F-35 Push As Portugal Weighs F-16 Replacement
    2. Reuters — Portugal seriously considers US F-35 jets along with other options
    3. AP News — Rubio says US pressure on NATO allies to boost defense spending is ‘not hostile’
    4. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Rubio visits Portugal, praising a 'great ally' and looking to build deeper ties
    5. The Presidential Prayer Team — Thursday, October 8
    6. Euronews.com — Marco Rubio calls Portugal 'ideal gateway' to Europe for US during Lisbon visit
    7. The Daily Beast — Marco Rubio Melts Down at Reporter’s ‘Stupid’ Question
    8. U.S. Department of State (.gov) — Secretary Rubio’s Meetings with Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro and Foreign Minister Rangel
    9. U.S. Department of State (.gov) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel at a Joint Press Availability
    10. jen.jiji.com — Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Oman, Kazakhstan launch $150M joint fund in push for deeper Central Asia-Gulf ties; Kazakhstan nuclear emergency center opens wit…
    11. jen.jiji.com — Head of State underscores historic significance King of the Belgians’ visit to Kazakhstan
    12. flipboard.com — U.S. Makes F-35 Push As Portugal Weighs F-16 Replacement
    confidence 95%
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