Denmark Allocates $4.5B to Buy 16 Additional F-35 Fighter Jets

Denmark has approved a new defense agreement allocating DKK 29 billion ($4.5 billion) to acquire 16 additional F-35 fighter aircraft, expanding its total fleet to 43 jets.

The agreement on further strengthening the F-35 fighter aircraft capacity was reached between the government and the Defense Conciliation Group. The package includes spare parts, weapons systems, threat simulators, flight simulators, deployment kits, IT infrastructure, and additional staffing.

The Ministry of Defense will now begin discussions with the international F-35 program office to ensure fast delivery of the aircraft. The expansion aims to enhance Denmark’s operational readiness and reinforce NATO’s collective deterrence and defense structure.

The plan also introduces Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) — unmanned drones designed to operate in coordination with the F-35s. These drones can serve as forward weapons platforms or for reconnaissance under tactical control of F-35 pilots.

Denmark first received its F-35s in 2023, with full operational capability expected in 2027. The original order of 27 aircraft is expected to be completed in 2026.