Portugal Rethinks F-35 Purchase Over U.S. Reliability Concerns

Portugal's defense minister cites geopolitical uncertainty under Trump as a key factor in moving away from U.S.-made fighter jets.

Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo announced that the country will not proceed with purchasing U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, citing concerns over the reliability of the U.S. as an ally.
Melo expressed fears that U.S. policy unpredictability under President Trump could lead to restricted access to critical F-35 components, software, and maintenance.
Portugal is now exploring European-made defense options, reflecting broader European skepticism about U.S. dependability in NATO and defense matters.
The decision comes after the U.S. temporarily paused military aid to Ukraine, which raised alarm among European nations about future U.S. commitments to shared security.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, emphasized its strong partnership with Portugal but deferred questions about foreign military sales to the U.S. government.