In an interview this morning with the national daily newspaper "Público", Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo announced that Portugal does not intend to acquire F-35 fighter jets from the United States to replace its end-of-life F-16 fleet. Melo, who heads the Portuguese People's Party, stressed that the current geopolitical context requires a review of traditional choices in terms of purchasing weapons.

"The world has changed and we must take into account the new international dynamics", the minister said. "The recent positions expressed by the US authorities, in particular those related to the NATO strategy and the decisions of the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States, require us to carefully evaluate the best options for our country. An ally that has always shown predictability could now impose limitations on the use, maintenance and availability of the components necessary to ensure that an aircraft is operational in every scenario".

The minister also highlighted the importance of a procurement policy that takes into account the specificities of the industrial fabric and national operational needs: "We cannot simply follow the global trend without considering the impact on our defense systems and our technological autonomy", he added. Portugal, which has traditionally focused on transatlantic cooperation, now intends to strengthen its independence in defense matters, seeking solutions that integrate European technologies and that can guarantee long-lasting and reliable support for the future of its armed forces.

Of course, this is a delicate moment on a global level: strategic relationships and military alliances are evolving. The changes in US foreign policy desired by Trump, including in terms of security and defense, and the new positions with respect to NATO, are pushing many European countries to reconsider their choices regarding investment in armaments. And let's not forget that the European Union's rearmament plan, of which Portugal is a member, is at stake.