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| F-35 |
Denmark has repatriated three additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from the United States, furthering its plan to address delays in Lockheed Martin’s delivery of upgraded aircraft. The jets arrived at Skrydstrup Air Base on Sunday after departing Luke Air Force Base in Arizona and stopping over in the Azores. With these arrivals, Denmark’s local fleet now totals 11 F-35s, marking a significant step in the transition from F-16s to the advanced stealth fighters.
Adapting to TR-3 Delivery Delays
Lockheed Martin’s Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade, originally slated for mid-2023, encountered delays, prompting Denmark to adjust its strategy. In December, the country flew home four F-35s in an older configuration, and in June, it decided to repatriate its training aircraft to bolster its operational fleet. The TR-3 upgrade, essential for future advancements like the Block 4 enhancement, includes improved cockpit displays and enhanced on-board computing power. However, jets with this configuration are currently restricted to training roles.
Strengthening Air Patrol Capabilities
Denmark’s Defence Ministry emphasized the importance of the F-35 fleet in bolstering national defense. By 2025, the F-35 is expected to assume partial air-policing duties, replacing the aging F-16s in readiness tasks. This includes maintaining two aircraft on standby for rapid response to foreign incursions into Danish airspace. “The F-35 will thus be able to handle the task of having two aircraft ready to take off in minutes and repel foreign aircraft approaching Danish airspace,” the ministry stated.
F-35 Fleet Expansion and Future Plans
Denmark has ordered a total of 27 F-35s, with 17 already delivered. Six of these were sent directly to Luke Air Force Base to replace repatriated training aircraft. The remaining aircraft are expected to be delivered in the TR-3 configuration by 2027, enabling a complete transition from F-16s to F-35s. Despite these adjustments, the Defence Ministry confirmed that the F-35 program will not impact Denmark’s planned donation of F-16s to Ukraine, highlighting the country’s commitment to supporting allied defense efforts.
