In 1994, Portugal marked the arrival of its first F-16A/B aircraft in the Block 15 OCU configuration.
The selection process had begun years earlier, back in the 1980s. Along the way, the F-16 faced strong competitors, also vying for this project, but they were gradually eliminated due to not being as complete and versatile.
The F-16, manufactured by General Dynamics, was chosen for its versatility, superior operational performance, and, at the time, proven combat effectiveness.
With the F-16 selected as a multirole fighter, with a particular emphasis on air defense capabilities, the Portuguese Air Force, after the very much missed and mythical F-86 Sabre, had once again equipped itself with an aircraft designed and developed specifically for aerial combat - a Fighter.

Here are the specifications for the F-16A/B:

• Wingspan: 9.45 meters
• Length: 15.03 meters
• Height: 5.09 meters
• Maximum Weight: 16,100 kg
• Maximum Speed: 2,160 km/h (Mach 2.05)
• Service Ceiling: 15,240 meters
• Engine: F100-PW-220E
• Thrust: 64.9 kN (military power), 105.73 kN (with afterburning)