Portugal Urged to Replace F-16s With F-35 to Strengthen NATO Airpower Aviation News – The U.S. ambassador to Portugal has called on Lisbon to replace its ageing F-16 fighter fleet with the F-35 Lightning II, arguing the move would strengthen interoperability with Europe’s most advanced air forces and reinforce NATO readiness. The recommendation was made by Ambassador John Arrigo in remarks to CNN Portugal, where he said he plans to leverage his business background to help Portugal increase defence spending to meet NATO’s proposed target of 5% of gross domestic product by 2035, up from roughly 2% today. The aircraft is produced by Lockheed Martin, whose F-35 has become the backbone of many Western air forces.

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Storm Kristin Damages F-16 Hangar at Portugal’s Monte Real Air Base Aviation News – Portugal’s Air Force said Air Base No. 5 at Monte Real suffered significant material damage after Storm Kristin struck the Leiria region on January 28, 2026, highlighting the vulnerability of critical military infrastructure to extreme weather. No injuries were reported, but operational assets were affected. Storm Kristin hit central Portugal on January 28, 2026, with strong winds damaging facilities at Monte Real, home to the Portuguese Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet.

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