U.S. defence giant courts Portuguese industry as decision on new fighter jets approaches

U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin has opened a potential route into its F-35 production chain for four Portuguese companies, as various manufacturers compete to supply the fighter jets that will replace Portugal’s ageing F-16 fleet.

The companies have qualified to bid for work on two aircraft structures, competing against six foreign businesses, Expresso reports. 

No contracts have yet been awarded, and Lockheed Martin has disclosed neither the Portuguese companies’ names nor the potential value of the work.

Requests for proposals are expected by the end of next month, writes the paper.

Lockheed Martin insists participation in this competition does not depend on Portugal buying its F-35 fighters. However, it openly presents the initiative as an illustration of the industrial opportunities such a purchase could bring.

Speaking to Portuguese journalists visiting the F-35 factory in Fort Worth, Texas, international business development executive Lisa Herrmann described it as an opportunity “before Portugal even selects the F-35”.

The announcement comes ahead of proposed changes to Portugal’s Military Programming Law, expected to reach parliament before the end of the year.

According to Expresso, an Air Force study favours the F-35, but the government has yet to commit to a replacement aircraft.

The industrial overtures come against a backdrop of concerns previously voiced by Defence Minister Nuno Melo about dependence on American military technology. In March 2025, he warned that changes in US policy could bring restrictions affecting aircraft use, maintenance and components, raising questions about whether the fighters would remain operational in every scenario.

Jobs and investment — but no guarantees

Herrmann said 17 potential projects identified in Portugal could generate more than 1,000 jobs and returns worth billions of dollars. She said the figures had been presented to the Portuguese government, without providing any kind of detailed breakdown.

Lockheed Martin also acknowledged that reducing costs is one reason for seeking new suppliers, alongside finding innovative manufacturing processes and developing technical skills.

Separately, the company is working with Portuguese drone manufacturer Tekever on a possible demonstration combining one of its unmanned aircraft with Lockheed’s Perceptor reconnaissance sensor. A demonstration for a shared customer is envisaged for spring next year.

European rivals offer industrial partnerships

Lockheed Martin is competing in a market where European manufacturers are also promoting work for Portuguese industry.

Sweden’s Saab has raised the possibility of producing Gripen components with Portuguese companies, including OGMA. France’s Dassault, which builds the Rafale, and Airbus – a partner in the Eurofighter Typhoon programme – have signed cooperation agreements with Portugal’s aerospace and defence industry association, AED Cluster.

For now, the four Portuguese businesses have secured a chance to compete for F-35 work. Whether that produces contracts — and whether Portugal ultimately buys the aircraft that its defence minister showed a certain reticence towards last year — remains undecided.

Indeed, barely two weeks have passed since Portugal’s own Head of State (and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces) made a case for the country purchasing European defence technology, and maintaining “coordination on aircraft models”. His reasoning “the European Union (EU) must have autonomy in defence matters”.