The contract has a total value of $700 million and covers the initiation of production for components associated with the 20th and 21st production lots of the aircraft. According to the announcement, full funding was activated when the agreement was signed.
Of the funding provided, $306 million comes from Denmark as an industrial partner in the F-35 program. The remaining funds originate from an undisclosed country purchasing aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales procedure.
Work under the contract is expected to continue for several years as production activities progress. The entire scope of the agreement is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2030.
Denmark initially ordered 27 F-35A Lightning II aircraft as part of its fighter modernization program. At least 17 aircraft have already been delivered by the manufacturer, including six stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for training purposes.
The remaining aircraft from the original order are expected to be delivered before the end of the current year. These fighters will replace older aircraft and form the backbone of Denmark’s future air combat capability.
In October 2025, the Danish government announced plans to purchase an additional 16 F-35A aircraft. However, no information has yet been released regarding the formal signing date of that follow-on agreement.
Once the additional purchase is completed, Denmark will operate a total of 43 F-35A Lightning II fighters. These aircraft are intended to support both national air defense missions and allied operations within NATO.
Since April 1, 2025, Danish F-35A aircraft have maintained continuous combat readiness duties from Skrydstrup Air Base. The aircraft now serve as a permanent component of Denmark’s air defense posture.
