Airbus plans Eurofighter bid for Portugal to replace F-16 fleet

Airbus announced on September 24 that it plans to submit an unsolicited proposal to Portugal in late October or early November to supply Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Portugal is seeking to replace its fleet of 28 modernized F-16M fighters, though the country has not yet launched a formal tender.

The proposal will include public and private financing solutions to ease Portugal's payment schedule, along with industrial participation and military cooperation, according to Ivan Gonzalez Exposito, Eurofighter campaign manager in Portugal. Airbus manufactures the Typhoon together with Britain's BAE Systems and Italy's Leonardo.

The Eurofighter competes against Lockheed Martin's F-35, Dassault Aviation's Rafale, and Saab's Gripen E. Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo stated that he wants competition among manufacturers to maximize benefits for the country and its local industry.

José Luis de Miguel, head of Airbus Defence & Space in Europe, noted that Portugal could benefit from stronger defense, political, and industrial ties with European partners. Gonzalez Exposito added that Portugal's air defense needs focus on air policing and NATO quick-reaction missions rather than deep-strike offensive operations.