0821 GMT - Portugal's decision not to buy F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. will likely provide a boost for European defense companies, Jefferies analysts say. The country cited the need to take into account "the predictability of our allies" when making defense procurement decisions. The move is slightly negative for BAE Systems, a supplier to the F-35 program, but the U.K. company could still benefit from an equivalent Eurofighter order from Portugal, alongside its Eurofighter consortium partners Leonardo and Airbus, the analysts say. French groups Dassault Aviation, Thales and Safran would benefit if Portugal decides to buy Rafale jets in this upcoming tender, which the analysts estimate could be for around 28 aircraft. BAE Systems is up 0.5%, Leonardo is up 0.4%, Airbus is down 0.1%, Dassault Aviation is up 0.9%, Thales is up 1%, and Safran is up 0.4%. (cristina.gallardo@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 14, 2025 04:21 ET (08:21 GMT)
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