Denmark Retires F-16 Jets: Discover Their High-Tech Replacement
After 46 years of service, Denmark has officially retired its F-16 fighter jets. The fleet’s retirement took effect on January 18, 2026. The Royal Danish Air Force utilized these aircraft, acquired in 1980, for various missions over the decades.
Farewell to the F-16 Fleet
A farewell ceremony took place at Skrydstrup Air Base, celebrating the retirement of the F-16s. Four aircraft performed a final flight over Danish territory, marking the end of an era. Pilots and technicians gathered to honor the planes they once operated.
History of the F-16 Fighter Jet
The F-16 was introduced in the early 1970s by General Dynamics’ aerospace engineers. They aimed to create a lighter, more maneuverable fighter jet compared to its heavier contemporaries. Known as the “Lightweight Fighter Mafia,” this group prioritized speed and agility, bringing a revolutionary design to the military.
Over time, approximately 4,500 F-16s have been produced. The jet gained prominence during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 for both bombing runs and air-to-air combat against Iraqi forces.
Replacing the F-16: The F-35A Lightning II
Denmark’s transition to the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet represents a significant upgrade for the Royal Danish Air Force. This change began in 2023, with the first F-35s arriving that year. On April 1, 2025, the F-35s fully replaced the F-16s in NATO’s Quick Reaction Alert mission.
The Danish Defense Ministry has secured a total of 43 F-35s. This includes 27 aircraft ordered in 2016 and an additional 16 ordered in 2025. The F-35A features a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine delivering 40,000 pounds of thrust.
Advantage of the F-35A
With the complete transition to F-35A Lightning IIs, Denmark joins Norway and the Netherlands as one of the few air forces worldwide to operate entirely fifth-generation fighter jets. This evolution took considerable time due to production delays affecting F-35s globally.
Future of Denmark’s F-16 Fleet
- Donation to Ukraine: Denmark plans to donate a portion of its F-16 fleet to Ukraine. This donation includes 19 planes, with the first arriving in August 2024. Danish support will also cover training costs for Ukrainian pilots.
- Sale to Argentina: A total of 24 F-16s will be sold to Argentina, which has lacked supersonic fighters since retiring its French Mirages in 2015. This deal involves training, parts, and simulators to maintain operational capability.
The F-16s will continue to serve in new roles, supporting Ukraine in defense operations against Russian aggression and enhancing Argentina’s air force capabilities.
