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Friday, March 14, 2025

Portugal ruled out replacing its U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets with more modern F-35s because of Donald Trump - in one of the first examples of the U.S. president killing a potential lucrative arms deal. The country's air force has recommended buying the jets, but the outgoing defense minister said "the predictability of our allies" must be taken into account when making procurement decisions. With the dramatic realignment taking place under Trump - who said again today he would annex Greenland and threatened Canada - there are fears the U.S. government could decide block access to software updates and spare parts needed to make the F-35 fully operational.

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"" Portugal Defense Minister announced that Portugal will not purchase F-35 fighter jets from the US, citing geopolitical uncertainty and the unpredictability of American policy.[image or embed]

" MAKS 24 ... (@maks23.bsky.social) March 13, 2025 at 2:05 PM

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"The world has changed ... and this ally of ours ... could bring limitations to use, maintenance, components, and everything that has to do with ensuring that aircraft will be operational and used in all types of scenarios," Melo said.

He added: "There are several options that must be considered, particularly in the context of European production."

#1 | Posted by censored at 2025-03-14 11:57 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

The Portuguese aren't buying American because they no longer trust America.

This is a significant achievement for Donald Trump after just eight weeks in office.

#2 | Posted by Zed at 2025-03-14 12:36 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"We will have so much winning if I get elected that you may get bored with the winning."

https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150917133655-trump-cnn-debate-facial-expression-super-tease.jpg

#3 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-03-14 12:51 PM | Reply

They might as well buy MIGs.

#4 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-03-14 01:56 PM | Reply

Portugal has a total of 28 jet fighters in its armed forces, so this move is more symbolic but nevertheless important. Germany and Canada are also reviewing cancelling their F35 contracts. France and Sweden have their own next generation stealth fighter which may supply NATO. Lockheed-Martin Corporation stock price per share today: $466.82

pbicanada.org

#5 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-03-14 03:50 PM | Reply

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