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

U.S. Makes F-35 Push As Portugal Weighs F-16 Replacement — Live Feedhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/u-s-makes-f-35-push-as-portugal-weighs-f-16-replacementContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. US Pushes F-35 as Portugal Weighs Fighter Jet Optionshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/u-s-makes-f-35-push-as-portugal-weighs-f-16-replacementhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/u-s-makes-f-35-push-as-portugal-weighs-f-16-replacement#u117153Mon, 12 Oct 2026 04:11:06 +0000Portugal 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 mattersPortugal needs to replace its aging fleet of F