The Danish government has agreed on a massive reinforcement of its air force: For around 29 billion Danish kroner (around 3.9 billion euros), 16 additional F-35 fighter jets from
manufacturer Lockheed Martin
are to be procured. This will bring the future Danish F-35 fleet to a total of 43 aircraft.
With the new decision, Copenhagen is strengthening the combat power
of its armed forces
significantly. The additional aircraft should not only increase the operational capability of the existing fleet, but also enable new operational tasks.
In addition to the jets themselves, the package also includes spare parts, weapon systems, threat and flight simulators, training equipment, braking parachutes, IT and infrastructure upgrades as well as additional personnel resources.
“With the planned procurement of a further 16 F-35 fighter jets, we are making a historic strengthening of Denmark’s defense capabilities,” explained Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. “Back in July, I held talks in the USA about an accelerated delivery – now the funds are available to implement this step quickly.”
The Ministry of Defence now wants to enter into immediate negotiations with the Joint Program Office (JPO) of the international F-35 program in order to achieve the fastest possible delivery. The aim is to rapidly expand the operational effectiveness of the air force and at the same time strengthen Denmark’s contribution to the collective deterrence and defense of
NATO
defense.
General Michael Hyldgaard, Chief of the Danish Armed Forces, also emphasized the importance of the move: “By expanding our F-35 fleet to 43 aircraft, we are strengthening the Kingdom’s defence in the long term. The F-35 is already the backbone of our air sovereignty and operational command. The new aircraft will further enhance our operational flexibility and NATO compatibility.”
For the first time, the agreement also provides for the procurement of so-called Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) – unmanned escort drones that operate in direct connection with the F-35. In future, these drones are to serve as forward weapon carriers or reconnaissance units and be deployed under the direct tactical control of the F-35 pilots.
Here
for more reports about Lockheed Martin and
here
to further reports on the Danish armed forces.
