After 46 years of continuous service, Denmark has formally phased out the F-16 Fighting Falcon and is transitioning entirely to the F-35A Lightning II as its frontline combat aircraft. The retirement was marked by a final flight ceremony at Skrydstrup Air Base, closing a chapter that began in 1980 with the Royal Danish Air Force’s introduction of the F-16. Throughout their service life, the jets were deployed on combat and security missions across the Middle East, the Balkans, and NATO air-policing operations, while also defending Greenland and Iceland. Several of the retiring aircraft have been repurposed to support allies, with donations to Ukraine and the sale of 24 jets to Argentina. Denmark will ultimately operate a fleet of 43 F-35As, including an expanded order approved in 2025 in response to evolving regional threats. The F-35 reached initial air-defense readiness in 2025, and the full fleet is expected to be operational by 2027, significantly enhancing Denmark’s air combat and networked warfare capabilities.
