Four new F-35 fighter jets have been delivered to Denmark, expanding its arsenal of cutting-edge aircraft. These jets landed at Skrydstrup Air Base, located in the southern part of the country. They arrived after a long journey from the United States, where they were built at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Texas.
New Fighter Jets Reach Denmark
For the Danish Air Force, this delivery marks a significant milestone. With the addition of the additional aircraft, Denmark currently has 15 F-35A fighter fighters. These aircraft are already taking part in military activities, including NATO missions and air patrols in the Baltic region. This means the new jets are not just parked in hangars — they are actively helping in keeping the skies safe.
Fifteen of the 27 aircraft that Denmark ordered are currently based there. Six more remain in the United States, where they are being used for training by Danish crews and pilots. It is anticipated that the last six planes will arrive the following year. This marks a clear shift from Denmark’s older fighter aircraft, the F-16s, which have been in service for decades.
Transition from Older Aircraft
The aging F-16 aircraft of the Royal Danish Air Force are being replaced by F-35 aircraft. These older planes served the country for a long time, but they are now reaching the end of their useful life. Denmark began preparing for this change in 2020. The full plan, including funding, was approved by the Danish Parliament back in 2017. This approval covered all necessary steps and costs up to the year 2026.
In 2023, Denmark saw its first F-35s touch down on home soil. This was a major step in modernizing the country’s defense. Since then, deliveries have continued steadily, with the latest four jets being the most recent batch to arrive. Each new delivery brings Denmark closer to completing its transition to a fully modern air fleet.
The new jets are not just more advanced — they are also better suited for current defense needs. They can fly faster, detect enemies from farther away, and work well with other NATO systems. These qualities are very important, especially for missions involving multiple countries or covering large areas.
Stronger Defense Commitments
In early 2025, Denmark took several big steps to increase its defense power. The nation made the decision to increase its defense budget to over 3% of its overall income. That comes to around $7 billion over two years. This is a major boost compared to previous years.
One part of this increase includes something called the Acceleration Fund. This fund helps speed up important military purchases, including acquisitions related to the F-35 fighter jets. With it, Denmark can buy what it needs faster, without going through the usual long approval process. This means the country can respond more quickly to new threats or opportunities.
In addition to buying new F-35 jets, Denmark has also joined in important NATO activities. In February, it took part in a big exercise across Poland and the Baltic region. This event involved seven other NATO countries and focused on improving skills like intelligence gathering and surveillance. These skills are critical for spotting danger early and keeping national borders secure. The F-35 jets have also been integrated into such operations, enhancing Denmark’s ability to contribute effectively.
Denmark also unveiled a proposal to strengthen Arctic security in January. The country set aside about $2 billion to help protect this cold and remote area. The Arctic is becoming more important, especially because of growing attention from big world powers. Denmark’s move shows it is serious about defending every part of its territory, with the advanced capabilities of the F-35 playing a key role in monitoring and securing this strategic region.
With these steps — receiving more F-35s, boosting military spending, and joining key defense efforts — Denmark is making clear progress in modernizing its Air Force and national defense. The arrival of the four new jets is just one part of a larger plan that is already showing results.