In an interview with Diario de Noticias on April 12, 2024, the Portugal Air Force Chief of Staff, General João Cartaxo Alves, confirmed that the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter will be the replacement for the F-16M Fighting Falcon. The decision is part of an effort to maintain alignment with most European allies who have already initiated transitions to the F-35, according to the General.
The replacement of the F-16M is deemed necessary to preserve the operational credibility and strategic relevance of the Air Force, as the F-35 Lightning II exhibits several advantages compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-35 features stealth technology, which reduces its visibility to radar, unlike the F-16 which lacks this capability. Additionally, the F-35 is equipped with more advanced sensors and a sophisticated avionics system that provides improved situational awareness through data integration from multiple sources.
The F-35 also supports a wider range of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks, enabled by its integrated systems. In contrast, while the F-16 is noted for its agility and has been a reliable aircraft for various missions over the years, it does not offer the same level of sensor integration or stealth capabilities as the F-35. The F-35 also generally carries a larger payload and has a longer range than the F-16, which can enhance its operational flexibility in combat scenarios.