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| Credit: Royal Danish Air Force/Nato Allied Air Command. |
Copenhagen, January 17 - The Royal Danish Air Force is preparing to retire its iconic F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters after more than four decades of distinguished service. Introduced in 1980, the first F-16 aircraft arrived on Danish soil, marking the beginning of a transformative era for the nation's aerial defense capabilities. Originally acquired to replace older types like the F-100 and F-104G, these versatile multirole jets quickly became the backbone of the Flyvevåbnet, upholding national sovereignty while contributing significantly to NATO operations. The fleet, which underwent rigorous Mid-Life Updates to maintain peak performance, has remained in excellent condition thanks to meticulous maintenance by Danish personnel.
Over the years, Danish F-16s have participated in numerous high-stakes missions across multiple continents. They conducted combat operations over Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Serbia, and Syria, providing air support, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. The aircraft also played key roles in NATO Baltic Air Policing deployments in Estonia and Lithuania, as well as guarding the airspace over Greenland and Iceland in challenging Arctic conditions. These deployments underscored the F-16’s reliability, agility, and adaptability, solidifying its reputation as one of the most successful fighter jets in modern military history.
As the transition accelerates, Denmark has donated a portion of its F-16 fleet to Ukraine to support international security efforts, while the remaining aircraft have been sold to Argentina, with the first examples delivered in late 2025. This strategic disposal ensures the jets continue serving elsewhere in capable hands. Meanwhile, the Royal Danish Air Force advances its modernization with the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II, which has been progressively integrated since late 2023. The advanced stealth fighter now assumes critical duties, including interception missions, enhancing Denmark's contribution to NATO and Arctic defense.
A formal farewell event is scheduled for January 18 at Skrydstrup air base, where the Chief of Air Command will officially phase out the F-16 from operational service. This milestone marks the end of an era for the Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, celebrated for its enduring legacy of excellence, while heralding a new chapter powered by cutting-edge technology.