Lockheed Martin has signed a cooperation deal with Portugal’s AED Cluster, a leading defense industry consortium, to explore pathways for Portuguese firms to participate in the F-35 program, even though no formal aircraft procurement has been announced.
AED will assist Lockheed by identifying local companies capable of contributing to R&D, ground systems, pilot training systems, or aircraft lifecycle support. This includes roles in manufacturing assemblies and testing sub-components to NATO standards.
The agreement represents a strategic investment in Portugal’s industrial base, offering long-term benefits to local businesses and strengthening ties with a key NATO ally through technology transfer and economic opportunity.
