Denmark retires iconic Cold War fighter after 45 years of global operations, transitioning to fifth-generation F-35 fleet
The Royal Danish Air Force will hold a farewell ceremony on January 18 at Skrydstrup air base as it concludes operations with the Lockheed Martin F-16, marking the end of a four-and-a-half-decade chapter in the service’s history.
Denmark has operated the F-16 since 1980, deploying the fighter across multiple continents and conflict zones. The aircraft saw combat in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Serbia and Syria. Danish pilots also flew Baltic Air Policing missions defending the airspace over Estonia and Lithuania, while the jets helped protect Greenland and Iceland.
Copenhagen originally procured 58 F-16 A/B-model examples and acquired additional aircraft throughout the fighter’s operational lifetime. The Danish Defence Ministry highlighted the fleet’s exceptional condition, stating: “The air force has looked after and cared for the fighter jets so thoroughly that… they are in such good condition that they will be given life elsewhere.”
Rather than scrapping the aging fleet, Denmark has transferred some aircraft and training to Ukraine as it battles Russian invasion forces. The ministry confirmed that select planes, alongside spare parts and instruction for both pilots and ground personnel, have been donated to support Ukraine’s military operations.
The remaining F-16s have been sold to Argentina. Buenos Aires received its first batch of six aircraft in December 2025, with an eventual total of 24 jets planned for delivery.
Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and Air Force Commander Major General Jan Dam will attend the January 18 ceremony, which will also showcase the F-35A Lightning II—the successor platform ushering Denmark into the fifth-generation era.
Copenhagen currently operates 20 F-35As, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The nation originally planned to field a 27-aircraft fleet but announced in October an expansion to 43 total jets. Poulsen described the increased procurement as crucial to “deliver a historic strengthening of the Danish air force” as it addresses evolving regional security challenges.
The transition reflects NATO’s broader modernization strategy, with allied nations phasing out legacy platforms in favor of advanced stealth capabilities. Denmark’s expanded F-35 commitment underscores the alliance’s commitment to maintaining technological advantage amid shifting security environments in both the Atlantic and Arctic regions.
Key Takeaways
- Denmark retires its F-16 fleet on January 18 after 45 years of operational service, transitioning to the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II.
- The Danish Defence Ministry transferred select retired F-16s and training resources to Ukraine while selling remaining aircraft to Argentina in a 24-jet deal.
- Copenhagen expanded its F-35 procurement from 27 to 43 aircraft as part of a strategic modernization initiative, with 20 examples currently in service.
- The farewell ceremony highlights NATO’s generational shift from Cold War-era fighters toward advanced stealth platforms addressing contemporary regional threats.
