On April 6, 2025, Saab Chief Executive Officer Micael Johansson confirmed during an interview with Dagens Industri that negotiations are ongoing with Portugal and Canada regarding the potential acquisition of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. This confirmation follows Portugal’s cancellation of its planned procurement of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II and reflects a shift in Lisbon’s defense planning priorities amid evolving geopolitical circumstances.
Portugal’s interest in the Gripen dates back to at least 2013, when Saab identified Portugal among a group of countries with potential interest in the Gripen C/D variant.
Portugal’s reassessment of its air combat capability modernization began in March 2025, when Defense Minister Nuno Melo announced the cancellation of the acquisition of 27 to 28 F-35A aircraft. The original decision to procure the F-35A had been included in the “Air Force 5.3” modernization program, presented in November 2023. In April 2024, General João Cartaxo Alves, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force (FAP), confirmed the selection of the F-35A as the replacement for the F-16AM/BM fleet, with a multi-year implementation plan including pilot training and technical workshops in coordination with Lockheed Martin and the United States Air Force.
The cancellation was attributed to concerns regarding the United States’ political reliability within NATO under President Donald Trump’s administration. Minister Melo cited potential restrictions on the use, maintenance, and supply of U.S.-origin components as a risk to operational autonomy. These concerns were part of a broader reevaluation of strategic dependencies and led to the decision to explore European-made alternatives to the F-35A.
In response, the Portuguese government initiated an assessment of available fighter aircraft from European manufacturers. The options currently under consideration include the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Dassault Rafale, and the Saab Gripen. While these platforms do not incorporate the low-observability features associated with fifth-generation aircraft, they are being evaluated for their performance characteristics, industrial cooperation potential, and compatibility with European Union strategic defense initiatives, including calls from the European Commission to prioritize intra-European procurement.
Portugal’s interest in the Gripen dates back to at least 2013, when Saab identified Portugal among a group of countries with potential interest in the Gripen C/D variant. In the current context, both the Gripen C/D and Gripen E/F models are being assessed. The Gripen C and D variants are in service with multiple operators, including Hungary, the Czech Republic, South Africa, and Thailand. These variants have undergone periodic capability upgrades, including the MS 20 block configuration adopted by the Swedish Air Force.
The Gripen E is powered by the General Electric F414G engine, providing approximately 20% more thrust than the F404 used in the C/D.
MS 20 features integration of the MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile, Boeing GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, updated radar modes, digital close air support functions, improved Link 16 connectivity, and enhanced civil navigation. Additional improvements include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) pilot protection, a ground collision avoidance system (GCAS), and night-capable operations using the SPK 39 Modular Reconnaissance Pod II. Saab has indicated that future upgrades to the Gripen C/D, unofficially designated MS 20++, are being developed for international users who are not transitioning to the Gripen E.
The Gripen E and F variants incorporate structural and system redesigns. The Gripen E is powered by the General Electric F414G engine, providing approximately 20% more thrust than the F404 used in the C/D. It has an internal fuel capacity increased by 40% due to a redesigned landing gear system, resulting in a combat radius exceeding 1,500 kilometers. The aircraft is equipped with the Raven ES-05 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and the Skyward-G infrared search and track (IRST) system, enabling passive tracking of airborne targets. Additional features include an advanced electronic warfare suite based on the enhanced EWS-39 system, a Wide Area Display (WAD), a head-up display (HUD), and the Targo helmet-mounted display (HMD). The Gripen E is compatible with a wide range of NATO-standard weapons, including MBDA Meteor, IRIS-T, AIM-9 Sidewinder, GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-39, and the RBS-15 anti-ship missile.
Despite its European origin, the Gripen platform incorporates certain non-European components, including U.S.-made engines. This factor is under consideration by Portuguese decision-makers as they evaluate the impact of third-party dependencies on operational sovereignty. The Gripen E and F models share limited commonality with the C/D in terms of structure and systems; shared components are limited to elements such as the windscreen, canopy, ejection seat, internal gun, conveyor system, and some ancillary parts.
To address short-term operational requirements, Portugal authorized the acquisition of 12 A-29N Super Tucano aircraft from Embraer in December 2024. These aircraft, built to NATO standards, are intended for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and advanced pilot training. This procurement addresses capability gaps left by the retirement of the Alpha Jet fleet in 2018.
Portugal has not yet reached a final decision on its future fighter platform. The current evaluation process includes both operational and strategic considerations. Political developments will play a determining role: in early 2025, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro resigned following a motion of no confidence, and the subsequent elections are expected to influence the direction of defense procurement. The incoming government’s position will be decisive in whether Portugal proceeds with Saab’s Gripen, selects a different European platform, or reconsiders its previous plans.
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