Dassault Aviation Offers Rafale to Portugal, Canada as Alternatives to F-35

Dassault Aviation is positioning its Rafale fighter jet as an alternative for countries that have suspended their consideration of the F-35A, including Portugal and Canada, according to CEO Eric Trappier.

Speaking to Le Journal du Dimanche, Trappier stated that Dassault is closely following developments and is prepared to supply Rafale jets to countries opting against the U.S.-made fighter. He noted that while Portugal has not yet formally approached France for a potential purchase, Dassault expects such discussions to emerge in the coming months.

“But we want to offer our aircraft to Portugal. It is a country of the European Union and NATO. It will have the same interoperability capabilities as we do within the Alliance, so it seems logical,” Trappier said.

His remarks align with a broader push by France to promote European defense alternatives. On March 16, French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for European-made military systems to replace American products, suggesting that nations purchasing the F-35 should be offered the Rafale instead. “Those who buy Patriot systems should be offered the Franco-Italian new-generation SAMP/T air defense system. Those who buy the F-35 should be offered the Rafale,” he said.

Portugal and Canada are both reassessing their F-35 plans. On March 14, Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo confirmed that the country would not proceed with the purchase due to concerns over U.S. policy unpredictability. With an aging fleet of F-16s, Portugal is exploring European-made combat aircraft as an alternative.

In Canada, newly appointed Defense Minister Bill Blair announced on March 15 that Ottawa is reviewing its F-35 procurement, despite payments already made for the first 16 aircraft. Blair indicated that while some F-35s may be delivered, Canada is considering other options, including the Swedish Saab Gripen.

Germany has also been linked to concerns over the F-35. Reports previously suggested that Berlin had second thoughts about its order of 35 F-35As due to a rumored U.S. 'kill switch' that could disable the jets if Washington deemed necessary. The Pentagon denied such claims, and the German government has confirmed that the purchase will proceed.

There are currently no direct European alternatives to the F-35, as most European fighter jets remain fourth-generation. The German Air Force plans to replace its aging Tornado fleet with F-35s, which are certified to carry B61 nuclear bombs, by 2030. The first F-35A for Germany is already under construction, with deliveries expected between 2027 and 2028.