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Denmark Formally Retires F-16 Fleet as F-35 Takes Over

The move completes Denmark's shift to a 43-aircraft F-35A force, with retired F-16s bound for Ukraine and Argentina.

Overview

  • The Royal Danish Air Force held a retirement ceremony at Skrydstrup Air Base on January 19, featuring a final formation flight and a last landing just before 2:00 p.m. local time.
  • Denmark has increased its F-35A order from 27 to 43 aircraft, with full operational capability targeted for 2027.
  • Former Danish F-16s are being redistributed, with the first six jets delivered to Argentina in December 2025 and others transferred to Ukraine, where they are flying combat missions with distinctive Terma self-protection pylons.
  • Denmark initially acquired 77 F-16A/Bs and upgraded 61 to F-16AM/BM standard, deploying the type in operations over the Balkans, Afghanistan, Libya, the Middle East, and for Baltic and Icelandic air policing.
  • With the F-16’s retirement, Denmark joins Norway and the Netherlands in fielding an all–fifth-generation fighter fleet.