The modernisation is going to be negotiated with the manufacturer Northrop Grumman, and is expected to cost €22.7 million between 2015 and 2022.


A ministry source said that the upgrade would ensure the F-16 maintained the NATO requirements for these aircraft as they would be able to autonomously detect, identify, follow targets.


On the other hand, the modernisation would boost the planes abilities to patrol the air, sea and land space.


Portugal currently has 27 F-16 fighters after selling 12 to Romania last year.