Airbus signs MoU with AED Cluster Portugal to position Typhoon for fighter requirement

Airbus Defence and Space and the Portuguese Cluster for Aeronautics, Space and Defence Industries (AED Cluster Portugal) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to identify co-operation opportunities ahead of the country’s upcoming fighter fleet replacement, Airbus announced on 27 October 2025.

The MoU positions the Eurofighter Typhoon as a “truly European solution” to replace the Portuguese Air Force’s fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BMs, with Airbus stating that, through the MoU, “Airbus and AED have set the base to launch a series of studies in order to create a valuable industrial proposition to replace the current Portuguese F-16 fleet”.

“In a time where European sovereignty and industrial autonomy is at the forefront of our strategy, Airbus strongly believes that the Eurofighter is the best option for this replacement,” Jose Luis de Miguel, head of Region Europe for Airbus Defence and Space, was quoted as saying in a Airbus press release. “Our relationship with Portugal is based on decades of co-operation, not only in the civil sector, but also in the military through the C295 medium transport programme, and our intention is to continue building on that mutual trust.”

AED President José Neves added, “Airbus is a leading international partner with a longstanding relationship with the AED Cluster Portugal. This Memorandum of Understanding strengthens international co-operation and positions Portuguese industry in global value chains, fostering a more collaborative, innovative sector that is prepared for technologically demanding programmes. With this partnership, the Cluster reaffirms its commitment to promoting bridges between Portugal and key international players, thereby creating economic, scientific, and strategic value for the country.”

Airbus noted that it “has played a key role over the last years in strengthening Portugal’s aerospace supply chain by providing opportunities for innovation and growth through partnerships with more than 30 Portuguese companies and creating 1,500 high-skilled jobs in the country so far”.

The company also pointed that, “as the largest European defence programme, involving NATO partners Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, the Eurofighter is not only a guarantor of security; it is also a driver of growth and employment”.

Prior to 27 October, nine countries – Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar – had ordered more than 740 Eurofighters, but in Ankara on 27 October UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan cemented a deal for Türkiye to acquire 20 Eurofighters.

The type is expected to remain in service beyond 2060.

The Portuguese Air Force currently operates a fleet of around 21 F-16AM MLU multi-role fighters supported by four F-16BM MLU conversion trainers. Portugal received its first F-16s in 1994.