Portugal has not launched a formal tender. Defence Minister Nuno Melo has called for competition to maximise benefits for the country and its industries.
The proposal would include “public and private financing solutions for Portugal in order to alleviate the payment plan”, campaign manager Ivan Gonzalez Exposito said. Airbus also plans to offer industrial participation and military cooperation.
Airbus produces the Eurofighter with Britain’s BAE Systems and Italy’s Leonardo. Airbus executive Jose Luis de Miguel said Portugal could gain stronger defence, political and industrial ties with European partners.
The F-35 is widely viewed by defence analysts as the leading contender. Dassault Aviation’s Rafale and Saab’s Gripen E are also potential candidates.
Gonzalez Exposito said Portugal focuses on air policing, NATO quick reaction alerts and protecting national airspace and waters. He contrasted those missions with deep offensive operations, which he described as the F-35’s primary purpose.
“For that the Eurofighter is the ideal solution,” Gonzalez Exposito said. He called it “the best air superiority fighter in the world”.
Source: Reuters.
