The announcement, made in an interview with the Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri, signals Saab’s ambition to expand its footprint in NATO’s aerospace market at a time when Portugal, a long-standing alliance member, seeks to modernize its aging fleet of F-16 aircraft.
This development comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in Europe and a broader debate about the continent’s reliance on American-made military hardware. As Portugal weighs its options, the Gripen emerges as a cost-effective and versatile alternative to pricier platforms like the Lockheed Martin F-35, raising questions about NATO’s future procurement trends and the strategic implications for transatlantic defense cooperation. […]
Portugal’s interest in the Gripen reflects a pragmatic response to its defense needs and fiscal constraints. With a defense budget of approximately $4 billion annually, according to a 2024 study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Portugal is not among NATO’s heavyweights.[…]
The JAS 39 Gripen E/F, the latest iteration of Saab’s multirole fighter, is at the heart of these discussions. Designed to counter advanced threats in modern battlespaces, the Gripen E/F is a single-engine, lightweight jet that combines cutting-edge technology with cost efficiency. Läs artikel