Milestone for Denmark as first F-35A takes flight
First Royal Danish Air Force F-35A takes to the skies, with 26 more to follow in the years ahead.
Denmark has become the fifth NATO air force in Europe to add the F-35 Lightning II to its fleet, following Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK.
The F-35A is set to be a game changer for Denmark, allowing the RDAF to train and fight alongside NATO allies and create a strong deterrent.
While the Danish milestone is an encouraging sign, the F-35 programme has still not entered full-rate production in the US because of problems in maturing the Joint Simulation Environment simulator that is required to complete initial operational testing of the fighter.
The F-35 also faces renewed scrutiny from Congress in 2021 and there is speculation that the UK will decide to procure 90 fewer aircraft than originally planned.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets]()
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
