In the frame of this agreement, 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 with a truly European solution, the Eurofighter programme.
“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,” said Jose Luis de Miguel, head of region Europe Airbus Defence and Space. “Our relationship with Portugal is based on decades of cooperation, 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.”
According to AED’s president, José Neves: “Airbus is a leading international partner with a long-standing relationship with the AED Cluster Portugal. This Memorandum of Understanding strengthens international cooperation 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.”
Thanks to a fruitful and collaborative work, Airbus 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. An enabler for the national industry to move closer to international aerospace projects, serving the country’s national interests and reinforcing the common European defence industrial base.
As the largest European defence programme, involving NATO partners Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, the Eurofighter is not only a guarantor of security, but also a driver of growth and employment. The Eurofighter secures more than 100,000 jobs in Europe. Nine countries have ordered more than 740 Eurofighters, namely Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar - making the Eurofighter the most successful European fighter jet programme in production, which will remain in service beyond 2060 and will be a key element to developing and prove new technologies for the next generation combat aircraft.
