Portugal and Canada, two important NATO countries, are now taking a second look at their plans to buy the American F-35A Lightning II fighter jet.
Portugal and Canada Reconsider the F-35 Jet Deal
These two nations are now in early talks with other companies that make advanced fighter aircraft. One of the top names being discussed is Saab, the Swedish manufacturer of the Gripen fighter jet.
This shift in interest began after both countries’ defense ministers made public statements that questioned their future with the F-35 program. For Portugal, the change is quite clear. The defense minister, Nuno Melo, openly spoke against choosing the F-35, which had long been seen as the obvious choice to replace the country’s older F-16 jets.
Instead, Portugal is now talking to European companies, including France’s Dassault and Sweden’s Saab. These companies offer different fighter aircraft that are not from the United States. Canada is also in talks with these companies, although its situation is more complicated due to an already signed agreement to buy 88 F-35A fighter jets.
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Still, the Canadian government may decide to receive only a portion of those aircraft and shift to another model afterward. This move could significantly impact the original plan and deal with Lockheed Martin, the American company that makes the F-35.
Saab’s Gripen Fighter Enters the Picture
Saab, a well-known aircraft company from Sweden, is preparing official offers for its Gripen fighter jet to both Portugal and Canada. Micael Johansson, the CEO of Saab, confirmed in an interview with Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri that talks are already underway.
Johansson said, “We are in discussions with Portugal and will present what Saab can offer. Then we will see if they consider the Gripen a viable alternative.” This statement came shortly after Saab won an important deal with Colombia, which is expected to buy up to 24 Gripen jets for its air force.
The Gripen fighter is a multi-role combat aircraft designed to be flexible, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. It may not have the stealth capabilities of the F-35, but it is seen by many countries as a dependable and modern aircraft for various military needs.
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The fact that Saab has already secured interest from Colombia adds weight to its credibility. Now, Portugal and Canada may also look at this aircraft more closely as they explore other options outside of the American defense industry.
In addition to Saab, other European companies are also preparing to offer their aircraft. France’s Dassault, which makes the Rafale jet, and the Eurofighter consortium, which produces the Typhoon, are also expected to compete for attention.
US Foreign Policy Causes Defense Tensions
One major reason behind the shift in interest is related to recent political actions taken by the United States. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. government launched several controversial moves that strained relationships with traditional allies.
Among these moves were new tariffs on imports from Canada and the European Union. These actions sparked what many considered a trade war, hurting economic ties between the countries. More importantly, Trump made strong statements against NATO, the international military alliance that helps protect many nations, including Portugal and Canada.
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Trump’s actions didn’t stop there. He also made public comments suggesting that Canada could be annexed by the United States. These remarks caused concern among Canadian citizens and had an influence on the country’s political landscape. With elections approaching, the issue of defense deals and ties to the U.S. became even more sensitive.
This political climate made it more difficult for Canada and Portugal to continue their military partnerships with the U.S. without question. As a result, both nations began looking at European options for defense equipment, including fighter jets.
These developments have been a setback for Lockheed Martin, the company that makes the F-35. The aircraft, known for its stealth and advanced technology, had been winning contracts worldwide. But now, that strong streak could face disruption if countries continue to rethink their defense choices due to political concerns.