Dassault Aviation, representing its RAFALE partners Thales and Safran, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AED Cluster Portugal to explore potential cooperation with Portugal's aeronautics, space and defence industries.
Signed at the French Embassy in Lisbon, the agreement aims to build on the RAFALE partners' existing presence in Portugal and develop new opportunities with Portuguese industrial partners, including potential integration into international aerospace and defence value chains.
The agreement follows the submission of a formal RAFALE bid to the Portuguese Government and the Portuguese Air Force in July 2026, as part of the process to renew Portugal's F-16 fleet.
For Portuguese companies, the initiative could create opportunities for industrial partnerships, technology development and participation in international supply chains, supporting the development and internationalisation of the national aerospace and defence sector.
The MoU does not constitute a decision by Portugal to select the RAFALE.
Source: Dassault Aviation
