HaiderAfan
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Portugal has decided not to purchase the F-35 fighter jet, citing concerns about the recent shifts in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. The decision was announced by Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo, who emphasized that the unpredictability of U.S. actions, particularly regarding NATO, makes it prudent to reconsider the acquisition of American-made aircraft.
At first, Portugal had intended to replace its outdated fleet of F-16 aircraft with the F-35, as advised by its Air Force, by April 2024, the changeover process had started and it was expected to cost 5.5 billion euros over the course of 20 years. But, because of geopolitical uncertainties, these plans have been postponed.
Melo emphasized that there is now doubt regarding the dependability of American friends due to the recent U.S. position on NATO and international issues, there are concerns that the F-35's operational readiness may be impacted if the United States places restrictions on its components, maintenance and use, Trump's divisive comments about NATO and his erratic foreign policy choices only serve to heighten this worry.
Alternative European made fighter jets including Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon are now being considered by Portugal, due to their European provenance which lessens reliance on US components and support, these solutions are regarded as more dependable, Melo has underlined the significance of taking into account substitutes that provide Portugal with greater economic advantages and predictability.
The decision is part of a larger trend of European countries reviewing their defense acquisition plans in response to changes in U.S. policy, because of comparable worries about U.S. reliability and the possibility of remote disabling the aircraft, for example, Germany is also closely examining its planned acquisition of an F-35, this circumstance demonstrates how NATO partners are becoming increasingly doubtful of American pledges and the possibility that European countries would look for more autonomous defense solutions.
Conclusion
Worries about the unpredictable nature of American policy and possible restrictions on the operating capabilities of aircraft are the main reasons Portugal has decided to reject the F-35 purchase, the action emphasizes how difficult it is for European countries to balance their defense requirements with navigating intricate geopolitical factors.
At first, Portugal had intended to replace its outdated fleet of F-16 aircraft with the F-35, as advised by its Air Force, by April 2024, the changeover process had started and it was expected to cost 5.5 billion euros over the course of 20 years. But, because of geopolitical uncertainties, these plans have been postponed.
Melo emphasized that there is now doubt regarding the dependability of American friends due to the recent U.S. position on NATO and international issues, there are concerns that the F-35's operational readiness may be impacted if the United States places restrictions on its components, maintenance and use, Trump's divisive comments about NATO and his erratic foreign policy choices only serve to heighten this worry.
Alternative European made fighter jets including Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon are now being considered by Portugal, due to their European provenance which lessens reliance on US components and support, these solutions are regarded as more dependable, Melo has underlined the significance of taking into account substitutes that provide Portugal with greater economic advantages and predictability.
The decision is part of a larger trend of European countries reviewing their defense acquisition plans in response to changes in U.S. policy, because of comparable worries about U.S. reliability and the possibility of remote disabling the aircraft, for example, Germany is also closely examining its planned acquisition of an F-35, this circumstance demonstrates how NATO partners are becoming increasingly doubtful of American pledges and the possibility that European countries would look for more autonomous defense solutions.
Conclusion
Worries about the unpredictable nature of American policy and possible restrictions on the operating capabilities of aircraft are the main reasons Portugal has decided to reject the F-35 purchase, the action emphasizes how difficult it is for European countries to balance their defense requirements with navigating intricate geopolitical factors.
