Production begins of first F-35 for Denmark
Lockheed Martin has begun production in the US of the first F-35A Lightning II multirole fighter aircraft for the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF), Danish Defence announced on 6 August.
The aircraft (tail number L-001) is being assembled in an Electronic Mate and Alignment Station. This is an electronic compatibility and assembly system designed to perform final assembly of the front, centre and rear sections of the aircraft, as well as the wing module.
‘This is an important milestone we have reached on the way to receiving the first F-35 aircraft [in 2021],’ said Maj Gen Anders Rex, head of RDAF Air Command.
The first aircraft for the RDAF will remain in the US at Luke AFB for two years, before arriving at Skrydstrup Air Base in 2023.
Denmark has been involved in development of the Joint Strike Fighter since 1997, signing a cooperation agreement in 2007 and implementing type selection in 2013-2016.
The RDAF will acquire 27 F-35As from 2021 to 2026 as it phases out the F-16. It expects the new aircraft to enter service from 2027.
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
-
Egypt orders two C-130J Super Hercules
The two aircraft may well be the first instalment of up to a dozen replacements for Egypt’s legacy Hercules fleet.
-
Hungarian Air Force takes ownership of its first C-390 Millennium
The move makes Hungary the second C-390 operator within the NATO alliance.
-
Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 ditching kills one crew member
A ditching is a deliberate emergency landing on water, not a crash.
-
In focus: UK New Medium Helicopter programme down to one bidder
The end of the long procurement process could be in sight as both Airbus and Sikorsky pull out over bid criteria.
-
Norway awards contract for Bell 412 helicopter modification
The modifications are intended to upgrade the fleet and extend their active lifespan.
-
RTX Raytheon wins billion-dollar contract for F-22 sensors
The details of the sensor upgrade have yet to be formalised but could involve infrared search and tracking.