US Ambassador Advocates for Portugal to Acquire F-35s and Increase Defense Spending
The U.S. ambassador to Portugal, John Arrigo, has urged Portugal to replace its F-16 fighter jets with Lockheed Martin's F-35 to enhance interoperability with European air forces. Arrigo aims to assist Portugal in increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. He noted over 900 F-35s are in service or on order in Europe. The ambassador also discussed U.S.-China relations, emphasizing that the U.S. is not pushing Portugal to choose between the two nations. Portugal joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2018.

U.S. Ambassador John Arrigo encouraged Portugal to replace its F-16 jets with Lockheed Martin's F-35 to ensure interoperability with European air forces. He aims to help raise Portugal's defense spending to NATO's target of 5% of GDP by 2035, up from 2%.
Arrigo highlighted that over 900 F-35s are in service or on order in Europe and that 25% of the aircraft consists of European parts. He also addressed U.S.-China relations, clarifying that the U.S. is promoting 'de-risking' without forcing Portugal to choose sides. Portugal joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in December 2018.




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