Denmark Orders 16 More F-35 Fighter Jets
Denmark’s government has announced a new purchase of 16 F‑35 Lightning II fighters, bringing its planned fleet to 43 jets. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen hailed the move as “a historic strengthening” of the Danish Air Force and armed forces. This follow-on order is part of a broader 2025–2033 defense spending package worth approximately 88 billion kroner (≈$13.7 billion). Roughly 29 billion kroner (about $4.5 billion) of the plan is allocated for the F‑35As alone and the rest for Arctic‑capable ships, air defences, surveillance aircraft and other equipment. The Danish Ministry of Defence notes this build‑up is “necessary in difficult times” as war has returned to Europe.
The 16 new jets will be added to an original F‑35 order of 27 aircraft. Denmark received its first F‑35A in October 2023 and currently has 15 in service (six more are in the U.S. for training). The remaining aircraft from the initial 27‑jet contract are expected to arrive by 2026. The Defence Ministry says it will now work with the F‑35 Joint Program Office on the new contract, including options to accelerate delivery so that Denmark’s combat power can scale up quickly. The whole 43-jet fleet is expected to be in place by the late 2020s, with the F-35 force fully operational by 2027.
The acquisition also includes spare parts, simulators, training equipment and support facilities. Denmark will also acquire a small number of unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft (drones) to fly alongside its F‑35s. Air Force and Navy leaders emphasize that the F‑35s are already a “crucial operational part” of Denmark’s missions and sovereignty, and that adding jets “increases the combat power, flexibility and Danish contribution to NATO.” Indeed, Danish officials cite NATO collective defense as a key rationale. A Defence Ministry fact sheet stresses that F‑35s are “a critical capacity” and an advanced sensor platform that will enhance situational awareness, making Denmark a stronger partner in NATO’s deterrence. The additional fighters come as Denmark has pledged to raise defense spending toward 3% of GDP – well above the NATO target – in response to Russian aggression and heightened Arctic tensions.
Official statements emphasize that the new order is focused on Arctic and North Atlantic security. Denmark’s purchase of 16 additional F-35s is presented as a cornerstone of its long-term defense strategy. In the words of Chief of Defence General Michael Hyldgaard, the expanded F‑35 fleet “significantly increases the combat power, flexibility and Danish contribution to NATO.” The government and parliamentary parties have jointly approved the procurement plan in the 2024–33 Defence Agreement and will be executed through agreements with Lockheed Martin via the international F‑35 program.