Dassault Aviation and Portugal's aeronautics cluster sign cooperation agreement
Dassault Aviation, representing its Rafale partners, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AED Cluster Portugal. The agreement aims to explore potential cooperation between the Rafale partners and the Portuguese industrial sector.
Saint-Cloud, France – Lisbon, Portugal – September 23, 2026 – Dassault Aviation, along with its Rafale partners Thales and Safran, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AED Cluster Portugal, the Portuguese association for the aeronautics, space, and defence industries. This agreement paves the way for exploring potential areas of cooperation between the Rafale partners and the Portuguese industrial sector.
The signing, which took place at the French Embassy, follows Dassault Aviation's official submission of a bid for the Rafale fighter jet to the Portuguese government and Air Force in July 2026. This initiative is part of the potential renewal of the Portuguese Air Force's F-16 fleet.
The MoU underscores the commitment of the Rafale partners to build upon existing relationships and deepen cooperation with AED Cluster Portugal and Portuguese industrial partners. The objective is to stimulate the Portuguese economy and enhance the country's sovereignty.
Dassault Aviation is a global company with over 110 years of experience in aircraft design, production, and support, having delivered more than 10,000 aircraft, including the Rafale fighter and Falcon business jets. AED Cluster Portugal is a national organization focused on promoting competitiveness and sustainable growth within Portugal's strategic aeronautics, space, and defence sectors.