US envoy urges Portugal to buy F-35 jets, boost defence spending

The United States ambassador to Portugal has called on Lisbon to replace its ageing F-16 fighter jets with the advanced F-35, arguing the move would integrate the country into Europe’s top tier of air forces and deepen NATO interoperability.

Ambassador John Arrigo said Portugal should consider purchasing the F-35 built by US defence giant Lockheed Martin, describing it as “the best fighter” and a fifth-generation stealth aircraft that would elevate the Portuguese Air Force to what he termed the “Champions League” within the European Union, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

“For interoperability, the F-35 is definitely the way to go,” Arrigo said, noting that more than 900 of the aircraft are either in service or on order across Europe. He added that roughly a quarter of the jet’s components are manufactured in Europe.

Portugal’s current fleet of F-16s has been in operation for decades. Defence Minister Nuno Melo said in November that the process to select replacement aircraft has not yet begun.

Arrigo also urged Portugal to increase defence spending to meet NATO’s long-term target of 5% of gross domestic product by 2035, up from the current 2%. He said he intends to draw on his business background to help Lisbon scale up military investment.

The ambassador’s remarks come as the administration of US President Donald Trump presses allies to boost defence budgets and strengthen transatlantic security cooperation.

On China, Arrigo said Washington is not demanding that Portugal “choose” between the US and Beijing, nor calling for full economic decoupling. Instead, he framed the US approach as one of “de-risking,” focused on cybersecurity safeguards and tighter scrutiny of strategic investments.

Chinese investment in Portugal expanded significantly following the country’s €78 billion bailout in 2011, when lower asset prices attracted foreign buyers during the eurozone debt crisis.

Among the major holdings, state-owned China Three Gorges owns 21.4% of Portuguese utility EDP, while State Grid Corporation of China holds 25% of grid operator REN. Hong Kong-listed Fosun International controls 20% of Millennium BCP and 85% of insurer Fidelidade.

Portugal joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2018. Arrigo suggested bilateral ties with Washington would “flourish” if Lisbon were to exit the programme, as Italy did in 2023.

“The United States sees itself as Portugal’s best partner,” Arrigo said, adding that Washington wants to keep potential adversaries “at arm’s length.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev