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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.
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