[mafets]

Entretanto...

https://www.aereo.jor.br/2025/09/29/lockheed-martin-intensifica-ofensiva-para-incluir-portugal-no-programa-f-35/

A empresa norte-americana Lockheed Martin intensificou nos últimos meses os seus esforços para que Portugal considere a aquisição do caça de quinta geração F-35, posicionando-se como parceira estratégica no processo de modernização da Força Aérea Portuguesa.

Em declarações ao Jornal de Negócios, Greg Day, responsável pelo desenvolvimento internacional do programa F-35, afirmou que “chegou a hora de considerar o F-35 para cumprir a missão aérea” em Portugal, destacando a longa cooperação com a Força Aérea e a interoperabilidade do modelo com sistemas da OTAN.

Ao mesmo tempo, a Lockheed Martin já firmou um memorando de entendimento com o cluster português de defesa AED Cluster visando identificar empresas nacionais que possam integrar a cadeia industrial e tecnológica do programa. A ideia é viabilizar participação em produção de componentes, investigação, manutenção e formação caso o modelo seja adotado.

Saudações

P.S. Será que a questão do Kaan terá a ver com isto?

https://valor.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2025/09/26/trump-sugere-convidar-turquia-de-volta-ao-programa-de-caas-f-35-aps-seis-anos.ghtml

Sobre o F-35, o presidente disse: "Acho que ele terá sucesso comprando os itens que gostaria de comprar."

[Duarte]

Resumo IA. 

The most likely near-term path is a European fighter (Gripen or Rafale) or second-hand Typhoons for an interim fleet, combined with Portugal formally joining one of the European 6th-gen programmes as an observer/partner. A direct purchase of F-35s is currently less likely given political/strategic concerns Lisbon has publicly voiced. Below I lay out the plausible scenarios, a likelihood ranking, and the reasons / evidence for each.

Ranked scenarios (most → least likely)

Portugal joins a European 6th-generation programme (observer/partner) AND fields a European platform in the short-term (Gripen or Rafale) — Likely.
Why: Portuguese officials have said they want to join one of Europe’s sixth-gen projects (FCAS/SCAF or the UK/GCAP/Tempest track) as an observer/partner, and recent reporting shows Lisbon actively exploring that option. Joining a European program matches Portugal’s political and industrial goals (access to workshare, tech cooperation).


Saab Gripen (new/lease) or Dassault Rafale (new) as the preferred European replacement — Quite plausible / realistic near-term option.
Why Gripen: Saab has a playbook of offering industrial partnerships and local workshare (OGMA, Critical Software partnerships have been reported), and Gripen is attractive on cost, sustainment and sovereignty grounds. Reports say Saab is actively courting Portugal.


Why Rafale: France is actively marketing Rafale across Europe, and analysts/media have highlighted Rafale as a serious contender for Portugal’s needs (strong capabilities but higher price). If Lisbon wants a fully European, mature high-end fighter and stronger political alignment with Paris, Rafale is credible.

Second-hand Eurofighter Typhoons as an interim/partial buy — Possible, but constrained by availability and politics.
Why: There have been second-hand Typhoon offers historically (Spain’s inventory, other tranche swaps) and Typhoon makers are looking for export orders — but used airframes are scarce and sales involve consortium politics (UK/Germany/Italy/Spain), export approvals, and competing buyers. Still plausible as a stop-gap if Portugal wants European jets quickly and cheaply.


F-35 acquisition (new) — Unlikely in the short term but not impossible long term.
Why less likely now: Portuguese ministers have publicly said recent U.S. policy uncertainty (statements about NATO, etc.) makes an F-35 purchase politically and operationally risky — concerns include potential U.S. restrictions on use, sustainment access, and strategic trust. Several outlets reported Portugal leaning away from F-35s in early-to-mid 2025. That political context makes an F-35 buy less likely now, though it could return to the table depending on future U.S.–EU relations and budgets.


Mixture / hybrid approach (buy/lease a European type now; longer-term transition to 6th-gen) — Very plausible and politically attractive.
Why: A two-track approach matches Portugal’s constraints: immediate operational need (F-16s aging), limited defence budget, desire to participate in future European programmes and get industrial offsets. Several EU nations use interim fleets or smaller buys while committing to future platforms; Lisbon’s statements about joining 6th-gen programs support this path.


Key drivers that will decide which path Lisbon takes

Politics / strategic alignment: Lisbon has explicitly signalled discomfort with U.S. policy volatility (that factor has cooled enthusiasm for F-35). That pushes preference toward European suppliers.


Budget and affordability: F-35 and Rafale are expensive acquisition & sustainment choices. Gripen and second-hand Typhoons (or leasing) are cheaper options and easier on procurement timetables.


Industrial offsets / local workshare: Saab and Dassault both offer industrial partnerships; Saab in particular has a pattern of sweetening offers with local industry participation, which is attractive politically and economically for Portugal.


Availability / timelines: F-35 deliveries and training pipelines tie you into U.S. timelines and policy; second-hand jets or Gripen offers can be faster. Also, Europe’s 6th-gen programs are long term (2035+ for operational capability), so an interim fleet is almost certain.


Practical likely outcome (my best read)

Short term (next ~3–7 years): Portugal will almost certainly acquire a European fighter (Gripen or Rafale) or a small package of second-hand Typhoons / leased jets to replace aging F-16s and maintain NATO commitments. Expect heavy emphasis on industrial participation, training packages, and NATO interoperability.


Long term (2030s): Portugal will sign on to one of the European sixth-generation programmes (as an observer/partner with some industrial contribution) and aim to transition to that platform once demonstrators/maturity are reached.


What to watch next (signals that will change probabilities)

Official procurement announcements or a signed MoU with Saab / Dassault / Eurofighter consortium.

Budget lines in the Portuguese Military Programming Law (LPM) that allocate funds to a specific type.

Public statements from the Defense Minister or Air Force Chief naming a preferred vendor or announcing observer/associate status in a 6th-gen program.


Short term: Gripen or Rafale (or second-hand Typhoon as interim) are the most realistic replacements for Portugal’s F-16s.
Long term: Portugal is likely to join a European sixth-generation programme (observer/partner) while operating an interim European fleet.
Air Data News
+1

1) Comparative table — Gripen E/F vs Rafale vs Eurofighter Typhoon (2nd-hand/new) vs F-35A




Best role for Portugal   Affordability + sovereignty + interim/long-term national fleet.   High-end national fleet (smaller numbers but strong capability).   Interim stop-gap (used) or full national fleet (costly).   High-end but strategic dependency on U.S.; heavy cost.
Portugal practical fleet size to replace ~20–30 F-16s   ~20–28 Gripen E/F   ~16–24 Rafale (more capability per aircraft)   ~20–28 Typhoon   ~16–28 F-35A (depending on roles/airframes)

Sources for key assertions: Saab active talks and MOUs; Portugal publicly revising F-35 plans and looking to Europe; Eurofighter export push and Typhoon availability commentary; Reuters and Jane’s reporting on Portugal’s defense posture and sixth-gen observer intent.



2) Procurement watchlist — specific signals to watch (what to watch, why it matters, source examples)

Official MoU / Memorandum with Saab or Dassault (date & content).

Why it matters: A signed MoU or negotiated contract indicates a preferred short-term path (Gripen or Rafale).

Example signal: Saab/Portugal MoU on OGMA partnerships (reported Apr–Sep 2025).


Portuguese Defence Ministry / Air Force formal RfP or RfI publication (LPM budget lines).

Why: RfP text will reveal required capabilities, support constraints, numbers and delivery schedule — the clearest procurement signal. Also check the Military Programming Law (LPM) budget allocations. Reuters reported budget increases and defence spending targets (watch LPM entries).


Public statement on F-35 policy from Government or Defense Minister (e.g., reversal or reaffirmation).

Why: Lisbon has publicly expressed concern about U.S. policy; any statement reversing that would reopen the F-35 as a likely choice. Reuters / local press earlier documented hesitancy.


Eurofighter consortium announcements about availability of second-hand Typhoons or package offers to Portugal.

Why: If consortium/partner state offers used jets with transfer approvals, Typhoon as an interim becomes realistic. Watch Eurofighter/partner press or PwC/export analyses.


Announcement of observer/associate status or MoU with either SCAF/FCAS or the Tempest/UK-led programme.

Why: Confirms long-term strategic alignment to a European 6th-gen project and hints at industrial offsets Portugal may seek. Jane’s reported Portugal eyeing sixth-gen observer role.


Industrial partnership announcements (OGMA, Critical Software, other Portuguese defence suppliers) with a manufacturer.

Why: These commercial MOUs are often preludes to political deals (Saab already seeking these ties).


3) My probability / scenario ranking (short term = next 3–7 years)

Gripen (new or lease) OR Rafale (new) — combined probability ~55% (Gripen slightly favored for cost/offsets).


Second-hand/leased Typhoon as interim — ~20% (depends on availability and consortium agreements).

Two-track: interim European jets + Portugal joins a 6th-gen programme (observer) — ~15% (overlaps with #1).


Direct F-35 purchase (short term) — ~10% (political hesitancy makes it less likely but not impossible if U.S.–Portugal ties change).


4) Practical recommendation (if you’re advising Lisbon or tracking the program)

Expect an interim European purchase (Gripen or Rafale) with heavy emphasis on industrial offsets and fast delivery options (leasing/used jets) to avoid a F-16 capability gap.


Simultaneously negotiate observer/associate status in one of the European 6th-gen programmes to secure future industrial access. Jane’s reporting showed Portugal pursuing this

[dc]

Resumo IA. 

The most likely near-term path is a European fighter (Gripen or Rafale) or second-hand Typhoons for an interim fleet, combined with Portugal formally joining one of the European 6th-gen programmes as an observer/partner. A direct purchase of F-35s is currently less likely given political/strategic concerns Lisbon has publicly voiced. Below I lay out the plausible scenarios, a likelihood ranking, and the reasons / evidence for each.

Ranked scenarios (most → least likely)

Portugal joins a European 6th-generation programme (observer/partner) AND fields a European platform in the short-term (Gripen or Rafale) — Likely.
Why: Portuguese officials have said they want to join one of Europe’s sixth-gen projects (FCAS/SCAF or the UK/GCAP/Tempest track) as an observer/partner, and recent reporting shows Lisbon actively exploring that option. Joining a European program matches Portugal’s political and industrial goals (access to workshare, tech cooperation).


Saab Gripen (new/lease) or Dassault Rafale (new) as the preferred European replacement — Quite plausible / realistic near-term option.
Why Gripen: Saab has a playbook of offering industrial partnerships and local workshare (OGMA, Critical Software partnerships have been reported), and Gripen is attractive on cost, sustainment and sovereignty grounds. Reports say Saab is actively courting Portugal.


Why Rafale: France is actively marketing Rafale across Europe, and analysts/media have highlighted Rafale as a serious contender for Portugal’s needs (strong capabilities but higher price). If Lisbon wants a fully European, mature high-end fighter and stronger political alignment with Paris, Rafale is credible.

Second-hand Eurofighter Typhoons as an interim/partial buy — Possible, but constrained by availability and politics.
Why: There have been second-hand Typhoon offers historically (Spain’s inventory, other tranche swaps) and Typhoon makers are looking for export orders — but used airframes are scarce and sales involve consortium politics (UK/Germany/Italy/Spain), export approvals, and competing buyers. Still plausible as a stop-gap if Portugal wants European jets quickly and cheaply.


F-35 acquisition (new) — Unlikely in the short term but not impossible long term.
Why less likely now: Portuguese ministers have publicly said recent U.S. policy uncertainty (statements about NATO, etc.) makes an F-35 purchase politically and operationally risky — concerns include potential U.S. restrictions on use, sustainment access, and strategic trust. Several outlets reported Portugal leaning away from F-35s in early-to-mid 2025. That political context makes an F-35 buy less likely now, though it could return to the table depending on future U.S.–EU relations and budgets.


Mixture / hybrid approach (buy/lease a European type now; longer-term transition to 6th-gen) — Very plausible and politically attractive.
Why: A two-track approach matches Portugal’s constraints: immediate operational need (F-16s aging), limited defence budget, desire to participate in future European programmes and get industrial offsets. Several EU nations use interim fleets or smaller buys while committing to future platforms; Lisbon’s statements about joining 6th-gen programs support this path.


Key drivers that will decide which path Lisbon takes

Politics / strategic alignment: Lisbon has explicitly signalled discomfort with U.S. policy volatility (that factor has cooled enthusiasm for F-35). That pushes preference toward European suppliers.


Budget and affordability: F-35 and Rafale are expensive acquisition & sustainment choices. Gripen and second-hand Typhoons (or leasing) are cheaper options and easier on procurement timetables.


Industrial offsets / local workshare: Saab and Dassault both offer industrial partnerships; Saab in particular has a pattern of sweetening offers with local industry participation, which is attractive politically and economically for Portugal.


Availability / timelines: F-35 deliveries and training pipelines tie you into U.S. timelines and policy; second-hand jets or Gripen offers can be faster. Also, Europe’s 6th-gen programs are long term (2035+ for operational capability), so an interim fleet is almost certain.


Practical likely outcome (my best read)

Short term (next ~3–7 years): Portugal will almost certainly acquire a European fighter (Gripen or Rafale) or a small package of second-hand Typhoons / leased jets to replace aging F-16s and maintain NATO commitments. Expect heavy emphasis on industrial participation, training packages, and NATO interoperability.


Long term (2030s): Portugal will sign on to one of the European sixth-generation programmes (as an observer/partner with some industrial contribution) and aim to transition to that platform once demonstrators/maturity are reached.


What to watch next (signals that will change probabilities)

Official procurement announcements or a signed MoU with Saab / Dassault / Eurofighter consortium.

Budget lines in the Portuguese Military Programming Law (LPM) that allocate funds to a specific type.

Public statements from the Defense Minister or Air Force Chief naming a preferred vendor or announcing observer/associate status in a 6th-gen program.


Short term: Gripen or Rafale (or second-hand Typhoon as interim) are the most realistic replacements for Portugal’s F-16s.
Long term: Portugal is likely to join a European sixth-generation programme (observer/partner) while operating an interim European fleet.
Air Data News
+1

1) Comparative table — Gripen E/F vs Rafale vs Eurofighter Typhoon (2nd-hand/new) vs F-35A




Best role for Portugal   Affordability + sovereignty + interim/long-term national fleet.   High-end national fleet (smaller numbers but strong capability).   Interim stop-gap (used) or full national fleet (costly).   High-end but strategic dependency on U.S.; heavy cost.
Portugal practical fleet size to replace ~20–30 F-16s   ~20–28 Gripen E/F   ~16–24 Rafale (more capability per aircraft)   ~20–28 Typhoon   ~16–28 F-35A (depending on roles/airframes)

Sources for key assertions: Saab active talks and MOUs; Portugal publicly revising F-35 plans and looking to Europe; Eurofighter export push and Typhoon availability commentary; Reuters and Jane’s reporting on Portugal’s defense posture and sixth-gen observer intent.



2) Procurement watchlist — specific signals to watch (what to watch, why it matters, source examples)

Official MoU / Memorandum with Saab or Dassault (date & content).

Why it matters: A signed MoU or negotiated contract indicates a preferred short-term path (Gripen or Rafale).

Example signal: Saab/Portugal MoU on OGMA partnerships (reported Apr–Sep 2025).


Portuguese Defence Ministry / Air Force formal RfP or RfI publication (LPM budget lines).

Why: RfP text will reveal required capabilities, support constraints, numbers and delivery schedule — the clearest procurement signal. Also check the Military Programming Law (LPM) budget allocations. Reuters reported budget increases and defence spending targets (watch LPM entries).


Public statement on F-35 policy from Government or Defense Minister (e.g., reversal or reaffirmation).

Why: Lisbon has publicly expressed concern about U.S. policy; any statement reversing that would reopen the F-35 as a likely choice. Reuters / local press earlier documented hesitancy.


Eurofighter consortium announcements about availability of second-hand Typhoons or package offers to Portugal.

Why: If consortium/partner state offers used jets with transfer approvals, Typhoon as an interim becomes realistic. Watch Eurofighter/partner press or PwC/export analyses.


Announcement of observer/associate status or MoU with either SCAF/FCAS or the Tempest/UK-led programme.

Why: Confirms long-term strategic alignment to a European 6th-gen project and hints at industrial offsets Portugal may seek. Jane’s reported Portugal eyeing sixth-gen observer role.


Industrial partnership announcements (OGMA, Critical Software, other Portuguese defence suppliers) with a manufacturer.

Why: These commercial MOUs are often preludes to political deals (Saab already seeking these ties).


3) My probability / scenario ranking (short term = next 3–7 years)

Gripen (new or lease) OR Rafale (new) — combined probability ~55% (Gripen slightly favored for cost/offsets).


Second-hand/leased Typhoon as interim — ~20% (depends on availability and consortium agreements).

Two-track: interim European jets + Portugal joins a 6th-gen programme (observer) — ~15% (overlaps with #1).


Direct F-35 purchase (short term) — ~10% (political hesitancy makes it less likely but not impossible if U.S.–Portugal ties change).


4) Practical recommendation (if you’re advising Lisbon or tracking the program)

Expect an interim European purchase (Gripen or Rafale) with heavy emphasis on industrial offsets and fast delivery options (leasing/used jets) to avoid a F-16 capability gap.


Simultaneously negotiate observer/associate status in one of the European 6th-gen programmes to secure future industrial access. Jane’s reporting showed Portugal pursuing this

Considerar Rafale ou Gripen novos como solução "provisória" é só estúpido.

Considerar como plausível que gastaríamos esse dinheiro todo em caças 4.5G provisórios, e ainda entrávamos num programa 6G com expectativa de comprar na década de 40, ainda mais estúpido é.

Andam a contar tostões para resolver o que fazer com a substituição dos F-16, agora iam gastar 5000M em 4.5G, e 10/15 anos depois gastar mais 5-7000M num 6G? Está tudo maluco.

[JohnM]

Concordo a 100% com o dc. Qualquer solução interina de eurocanard tem que ser para aviões usados, para aviões novos é uma estupidez descomunal.

[Duarte]

Andam a contar tostões para resolver o que fazer com a substituição dos F-16, agora iam gastar 5000M em 4.5G, e 10/15 anos depois gastar mais 5-7000M num 6G? Está tudo maluco.

Don't shoot the messenger. 

Eu apenas perguntei quais os cenários mais prováveis...  Argoladas AI não faltam, como se não bastasse a estupidez humana natural..

[Lampuka]

Nem a IA se safa com vocês. 🤣🤣🤣
Qualquer dia estão a pedir para que a expulsem do fórum.
Só porque quer G4.5 europeus novos...

[Pilotasso]

Concordo a 100% com o dc. Qualquer solução interina de eurocanard tem que ser para aviões usados, para aviões novos é uma estupidez descomunal.

Certo, no entanto não se trata de uma solução isenta de riscos. Aquilo que estou a pensar tem como base a experiencia do F-16A PAII. Quando houve oportunidade de alienar aeronaves, estas foram as visadas. Sabem porquê? 
Não sabemos o estado em que esses eurocanards usados estarão (muito provavelmente serão as menos desejáveis em termos de estado), e tenho quase a certeza que serão retiradas muito antes de estarem aeronaves de 6G sequer contratualizadas.

[JohnM]

Concordo a 100% com o dc. Qualquer solução interina de eurocanard tem que ser para aviões usados, para aviões novos é uma estupidez descomunal.

Certo, no entanto não se trata de uma solução isenta de riscos. Aquilo que estou a pensar tem como base a experiencia do F-16A PAII. Quando houve oportunidade de alienar aeronaves, estas foram as visadas. Sabem porquê? 
Não sabemos o estado em que esses eurocanards usados estarão (muito provavelmente serão as menos desejáveis em termos de estado), e tenho quase a certeza que serão retiradas muito antes de estarem aeronaves de 6G sequer contratualizadas.

Concordo absolutamente se estivermos a falar de comprar caças usados e os colocar ao serviço sem modernização, mas estamos a falar de comprar Gripen C ou Typhoon Tranche 1 usados, modernizá-los para Gripen E ou Tranche 1 com radar AESA. Ou seja, estamos a falar de uma modernização extensa, que obviamente terá que envolver inspeções generalizadas ao estado das células. Além disso, estamos também a falar de utilizar os aviões num horizonte temporal não superior a 15-20 anos até poderem ser substituídos pelo mítico 6G. Se quiserem comprar 4.5G novos, então aí já não sei se concordo, porque se esses aviões hoje ainda conseguem competitivos em cenários menos exigentes, como QRA, DCA, ataque marítimo, etc., a partir de 2040 certamente já não o serão.

[LightningBolt]

Comprem F35 e mais tarde entrem na 6a geração, lado a lado com o F-35! Simples... conversa de quem percebe 0 mas tem muita fé no resultado!

Nada de gripen e dassault!

Dois lotes de F-35A. Talvez em menor número. Para aquilo que Portugal precisa, chega bem. Mais tarde 6a geração e conjuga se os dois lado a lado! Eu quero é tecnologia e poder aéreo para a FAP!

[Cabeça de Martelo]

Comprem F35 e mais tarde entrem na 6a geração, lado a lado com o F-35! Simples... conversa de quem percebe 0 mas tem muita fé no resultado!

Nada de gripen e dassault!

Dois lotes de F-35A. Talvez em menor número. Para aquilo que Portugal precisa, chega bem. Mais tarde 6a geração e conjuga se os dois lado a lado! Eu quero é tecnologia e poder aéreo para a FAP!

Os Eurofighter são capazes de levar mais misseis e bombas do que os F-35 em modo furtivo.

Se adquirires X F35 A e Y Typhoon, no futuro podes comprar o mesmo número de caças de 6ª geração que os 4.5 que teríamos para substituir. Assim ficarias com um número menor de caças de 5ª geração e ainda com os mais numerosos caças de 6ª geração europeus.

[mayo]

Comprem F35 e mais tarde entrem na 6a geração, lado a lado com o F-35! Simples... conversa de quem percebe 0 mas tem muita fé no resultado!

Nada de gripen e dassault!

Dois lotes de F-35A. Talvez em menor número. Para aquilo que Portugal precisa, chega bem. Mais tarde 6a geração e conjuga se os dois lado a lado! Eu quero é tecnologia e poder aéreo para a FAP!

Não vai haver de F-35 na FAP, nem caças novos ( fora os A-29 ). O melhor que pode esperar a FAP é F-16V ( de 2º mão ).
Com os F-16V, os custos seriam baixos e já se conhece o bicho. Ter um numero entre os 40 e 60, e avançar para um programa de 6G europeu , para receber os primeiros em 2040-45 !

[goldfinger]

Por más de US$ 24.000 millones, EE. UU. ordena la compra de 296 nuevos cazas furtivos F-35 para equipar a sus Fuerzas Armadas y aliados

A través de un nuevo acuerdo alcanzando entre la Oficina del Programa Conjunto F-35 y Lockheed Martin, este fijo la compra de hasta un total de 300 nuevos cazas furtivos, englobados en los Lotes de Producción 18 y 19, destinados a equipar a las Fuerzas Armadas de Estados Unidos, como de aliados a través del Programa de Ventas Militares al Extranjero (FMS). Con un inversión que alcanza los más de 24.000 millones, el acuerdo brinda un nuevo e importante apoyo al programa de aeronaves de quinta generación de cara a los próximos años, el cual ha enfrentado durante los últimos meses desafíos y vicisitudes.

En diciembre del 2024 Lockheed Martin había recibido un primer contrato indefinido para el Lote 18, valuado en USD 11.800 millones, con el objetivo de producir un total de 145 F-35 hacia junio del 2027. A este le siguió, en agosto del 2025, la adjudicación de USD 2.900 millones a Pratt & Whitney para la provisión de 141 motores F135 destinados a dichas aeronaves.

Según lo estipulado en la notificación del contrato, el Lote 18 comprendía 48 F-35A para la Fuerza Aérea; 16 F-35B y 5 F-35C para el Cuerpo de Marines; 14 F-35C para la Armada; 15 F-35A y 1 F-35B para los socios internacionales del programa; y 39 F-35A junto a 7 F-35B para clientes bajo el esquema de Ventas Militares Extranjeras (FMS).

Ahora el nuevo contrato modificado, adjudicado en el día de ayer, amplió la producción del Lote 18 a 148 aeronaves y sumó otras 148 correspondientes al Lote 19. En tal sentido, la nueva firma entre el gobierno de Estados Unidos, a través de la Oficina del Programa Conjunto (JPO), y Lockheed Martin prevé la entrega de 296 aeronaves con un costo promedio de US$ 82,4 millones por unidad, con vistas a que los primeros ejemplares sean entregados entre los años 2026 y 2028. Detalladamente, el contrato contempla aeronaves destinadas a la Fuerza Aérea, Cuerpo de Marines, la Armada de EE. UU., así como a países aliados dentro del Programa de Ventas Militares al Extranjero (FMS) y socios del Programa.

En los respectivo al Lote 19, este engloba 40 F-35A para la Fuerza Aérea ; 12 F-35B y 8 F-35C para el Cuerpo de Marines; 9 F-35C para la Armada; 13 F-35A y 2 F-35B para los países socios del programa; y finalmente 52 F-35A junto a 12 F-35B destinados a clientes FMS. Por otro lado, en vistas de continuar con el Programa de cazas F-35, fuentes detallan que el lote 20 aún se encuentra en etapa previa a ser negociado bajo un contrato de producción multianual.

La noticia llega después de varios meses de retrasos en las entregas por la problemática actualización Technology Refresh 3 (TR‑3), un paquete que introduce mejoras fundamentales en el hardware y software del F-35, tales como una mayor capacidad de procedimiento, sensores optimizados y una arquitectura abierta que permite incorporar nuevas capacidades en el futuro.

El punto álgido de esta situación ocurrió entre los años 2023 y 2024, cuando la Oficina del Programa Conjunto (JPO) se vio obligada a suspender formalmente la aceptación de nuevas aeronaves hasta tanto se alcanzara una configuración de software estable, funcional y segura para operaciones. Dado que esta actualización es necesaria para la plena certificación de las nuevas aeronaves para su empleo en operaciones de combate de alta intensidad, su implementación efectiva se convirtió en una condición crítica para el Pentágono.

Finalmente, la solución llegó en julio del 2024, cuando el JPO decidió levantar parcialmente la suspensión de las entregas de nuevos F-35 y aprobar una versión truncada del software TR-3. Esta variante reducida —si bien aún limitada— fue considerada apta para tareas de entrenamiento inicial y permitió iniciar una fase de introducción gradual de los cazas con dicha configuración. A partir de entonces, Lockheed Martin logró entregar 110 unidades en el 2024, mayormente destinadas a entrenamiento y validación técnica.


Por último, durante el corriente año 2025 Lockheed Martin ha logrado entregar un total de 72 nuevos cazas furtivos F-35 a las Fuerzas Armadas de Estados Unidos, aeronaves equipadas con actualización Technology Refresh 3 (TR‑3). De esta manera, y pese a los retrasos ocasionados por la implementación del TR-3, el programa logró retomar su ritmo de entregas y ya supera las 1.230 unidades en servicio en 12 naciones, acumulado más de un millón de horas de vuelo.

https://www.zona-militar.com/2025/09/30/por-mas-de-us-24-000-millones-ee-uu-ordena-la-compra-de-296-nuevos-cazas-furtivos-f-35-para-equipar-a-sus-fuerzas-armadas-y-aliados/

[Charlie Jaguar]

EUA propõem a Portugal reforço da aliança com compra de caças F-35

Perante Paulo Rangel e Nuno Melo, o novo embaixador dos EUA, John Arrigo, destacou a parceria entre os dois países: “A nossa amizade baseia-se na história, na confiança e num sacrifício partilhado”.

https://www.dn.pt/sociedade/eua-propem-a-portugal-reforo-da-aliana-com-compra-de-caas-f-35

[mayo]

EUA propõem a Portugal reforço da aliança com compra de caças F-35

Perante Paulo Rangel e Nuno Melo, o novo embaixador dos EUA, John Arrigo, destacou a parceria entre os dois países: “A nossa amizade baseia-se na história, na confiança e num sacrifício partilhado”.

https://www.dn.pt/sociedade/eua-propem-a-portugal-reforo-da-aliana-com-compra-de-caas-f-35

Viu -se durante a guerra do Ultramar ! 

[mafets]

Podem sempre comprar os 346 da Leonardo. É europeu, montado em Itália, faz de caça leve, cas e formação. 

 

Saudações