VIVAERO

First Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets land in Denmark

The Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) received this Thursday (14) the first four Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters from an order for 27 aircraft.

The stealth jets flew from the manufacturer's facilities in Texas, USA, to Skrydstrup Airport, making a technical stopover in the Azores.

“As the newly appointed Defense Industrial Attaché, it is a privilege to oversee the first aircraft ferry of Denmark’s new F-35 Lightning II,” said His Royal Highness Brigadier General Prince Joachim of Denmark.

“The F-35 is a huge advancement in technology. The arrival of the F-35 provides Denmark and the Danish Armed Forces with a beacon to transform the military into 5th generation,” he added.

The Nordic country's Air Force has another six F-35A that are at Luke Air Base, Arizona, to support the training of pilots and ground crews.

The F-35As will replace the F-16s, which are being prepared to be sent to the Ukrainian Air Force, as part of the support package for the country, which is fighting to recover regions invaded by Russia.

Denmark becomes the 10th country to operate the F-35, a 5th generation fighter that has received several orders in recent years. Skrydstrup becomes the 31st base to have Lockheed Martin aircraft.

The Royal Danish Air Force is expected to have 27 F-35s by 2027.