Portugal may transfer F-16s to Ukraine if it joins the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet. To replace its F-16s, Portugal not only plans to purchase a modern fighter jet, but also wants to join one of the projects to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. This is part of the country’s program to replace its fleet of old F-16AM/BMs.
Portugal previously sold its aircraft to Romania. Now, their transfer to Ukraine looks very promising.
Portuguese Minister of National Defense João Nuno Lacerda Teixeira de Melo said that the country plans to join one of the European projects as an observer. That is, the choice is between GCAP with Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, and FCAS with Germany, Spain, and France. At the same time, it is not specified which decision the Portuguese are leaning towards. It is worth noting that GCAP has already received the dates for its first flight.
Since the sixth-generation fighter is still a distant prospect, the country is currently dealing with the initial stage of replacing the F-16 in 2024-2030. This involves the purchase of more modern aircraft, with the F-35 and JAS-39 Gripen competing for the contract.
It should be noted that in the next few years, Ukraine will receive more F-16s from Belgium and the Netherlands, so the number will not remain critically low.
