The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) is contemplating a significant upgrade to its arsenal, with its sights set on F-35A fighter-bombers.
General João Cartaxo Alves, the current leader of FAP, recently disclosed details of the “Air Force 5.3” transformation plan. This strategic blueprint involves the addition of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones, light attack aircraft, and F-35A fighter-bombers to the FAP's fleet.
The proposed purchase of F-35A planes is part of an intended shift away from the F-16s that FAP currently utilises. These F-16s have provided faithful service to the FAP for three decades, but the time has come to consider a replacement.
The path to transition
According to General Alves, there is an urgent need to replace the ageing F-16s. Other nations, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium, are already transitioning from F-16s to F-35As. Portugal has already sold 12 of their 40 F-16s to Romania, with the remaining 28 still required to meet existing commitments.
While a transformation plan has been unveiled and discussions started, there is no official procurement process for the F-35As in place as yet. The military programming law approved in March 2023 made no mention of F-35A procurement, though it does set aside €5.5 billion for eight major acquisitions by 2034. It is worth noting that the law could be revised in 2027, which could change the allocation of funds.
Path to acquisition
To understand the transition to fifth-generation aircraft, FAP held a workshop with Lockheed and the US Air Force, the latter being the creator of the F-35. Given the complexities involved in such a transition, the FAP commander stated that the journey to welcoming new combat aircraft is expected to span two decades and cost an estimated €5.5 billion.
Should the decision be made to acquire the F-35s, the first aircraft would not touch down on Portuguese soil for seven years. In the meantime, the FAP will have to continue managing the increasing costs of maintaining their diminishing fleet of F-16s.
Despite these hurdles, the first steps toward transitioning to the F-35 have already been taken, marking the start of a new chapter in Portuguese military aviation.