The total cost of the aircraft is now expected to reach 71.2 billion kroner over 30 years. That figure includes expenses such as maintenance and pilot training.
The new estimate is higher than the Defence Ministry’s earlier figure of 57.1 billion kroner. According to the report, the ministry maintained that estimate until January 2026 despite receiving information over nearly 10 years indicating that actual costs would be 14 billion kroner higher.
Denmark ordered the 27 aircraft in 2016 and 2017. It has received 23 jets so far, with the remaining four scheduled for delivery in 2026 and early 2027.
In October 2025, Denmark decided to buy an additional 16 F-35s. The decision followed Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine and increased military spending by Denmark and its Nordic allies.
The State Auditors said it was unsatisfactory that the Defence Ministry lacked oversight of total expenditure. They also said it was very unsatisfactory that the ministry failed to adequately inform parliament about expected costs.
According to the report, the ministry did not include all relevant expenses in its latest briefing to parliament’s Finance Committee in October 2025. The auditors said the higher costs mean fewer funds will be available for other areas of military spending.
The new estimate does not include a reserve for unexpected costs. It also excludes about 1 billion kroner for the purchase of two F-35 replacement aircraft that had previously been part of the ministry’s expenditure estimate.
Source: investing.com.
