Three more Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters delivered to the Danish Air Force

The Danish Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the arrival of these jets brings the total number of F-35s delivered to 17. Of these, 11 are stationed in Denmark, while six remain at Luke Air Force Base for training Danish pilots and technicians. This is part of Denmark’s broader strategy to build operational readiness for its F-35 fleet, which will eventually replace the aging F-16s.

Denmark has ordered 27 F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Lockheed Martin, with the first deliveries starting in 2023. Training for Danish pilots began in the United States in 2020, and the first Danish pilot flew an F-35 in January 2021. These early training flights utilised US Air Force aircraft, reflecting a standardisation of equipment across the growing list of F-35 export customers.

The Danish Air Force plans to achieve initial operational capability with its F-35 squadron this year. This will enable the F-35 to begin gradually taking over roles from the F-16, including the critical air-policing task of maintaining two jets on standby to intercept foreign aircraft approaching Danish airspace. The full transition to F-35s is expected to occur over the coming years, with both aircraft types operating in tandem during the interim period.

Globally, over 1,100 F-35 aircraft in various configurations have been delivered by Lockheed Martin. Denmark is the fifth European country to begin operating the F-35 domestically, following nations like Norway and the Netherlands. Other countries, including Belgium and Poland, have also received their first F-35s, though their aircraft currently remain stationed in the United States.