Denmark increases F-35 fleet by 68%

Denmark has taken the decision to increase the size of its F-35 fleet by 68%, and add collaborative combat aircraft to its fleet, but the addition will only add capability if weapons integration follows. 

As Denmark’s government continues to modernise its armed forces at breathtaking pace, it has taken the decision to buy another 16 F-35s, increasing its total order to 43 aircraft, according to an October 10 announcement on the FMV’s website. This is a 68% increase on its fleet size and it will enable the Danish air force to conduct new types of task, the announcement states.

At the moment, the Danes are planning to use the 15 F-35s that are already in-country to contribute to its missile defence mission alongside the F-16s.

The government has allocated DKK 29.0 billion to the procurement, which is around £3.37/€3.88/$4.5 billion. That money is expected to procure the aircraft as well as flight and combat simulators, spare parts, and weapon systems. “I visited the USA in July, where I discussed the possibility of quickly acquiring additional F-35 fighter aircraft with the head of the international F-35 fighter aircraft program. Funds have now been allocated to pursue this option,” Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen.

Denmark is hoping that the procurement can be rapidly facilitated by the F-35 international programme office. However, it is important to bear in mind that weapons integration into the F-35 – particularly for long-range strike weapons – is currently lacking. There are options, such as the Joint Strike Missile and Spear 3, which can be carried internally. But at the time of writing, the platforms were primarily kitted out for air-to-air engagements and limited air-to-ground. Realising the full potential of the F-35 will only happen once advanced long-range weapons can be integrated and widely carried. 

Danish F-35s will fly with CCAs

But Denmark isn’t stopping there, it also plans to acquire a number of collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) to its fleet, which are called “follow-up drones” in the announcement. “The follow-up drones can, for example, be used as a forward weapons platform or for reconnaissance under tactical control of the pilot in the F-35 fighter aircraft,” the announcement states. 

The likely platform for the CCA procurement really depends on the speed of procurement. If the Danish airforce wants to get the CCAs into service quickly, then it will likely have to select one of the platforms that are at a higher tech readiness level. The MQ-28 Ghost Bat from Boeing is one example of this, but there are at least seven other CCAs on the market, you can read about them here:  The growing collaborative combat aircraft marketplace – Calibre Defence. 

Completion of the original F-35 order is expected in 2026 and the jets should reach full operational capability in 2027. There are 15 jets in Denmark and another six in the US for training. Delivery date for the additional 16 is not yet known. 

Calibre comment: Denmark, pushing the envelope

We have tracked many of Denmark’s recent acquisitions on Calibre Defence, a brief overview is in the list below. But, in a nutshell, the Danish government stated the intent to rearm, and has made good progress in realising that goal in a short space of time. 

• March 2025: Naval Strike Missiles ordered for Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. A €178.6 million contract issued after procurement initiated in Winter 2024. 
• April 2025: Significant procurement of soldier equipment including rifles, heavy machine guns, uniforms, drones, and loitering munitions. Various contracts exceeding €428 million. 
• April 2025: Mistral short-range air defence missiles to equip Skyranger turrets. 
• June 2025: Contract with NAMMO to restore large calibre ammunition production in Denmark. 
• July 2025: 129 CAVS armoured vehicles after joining programme in April. Contract value of €254.6 million.
• July 2025: MQ-9B procurement for maritime ISTAR. 
• September 2025: Significant investment in air defence and intent to procure long-range strike capabilities announced.

These procurements show the pace of procurement that Denmark is pursuing. Larger procurements like this for F-35s will likely take more time to realise. Additionally, the intent to procure CCAs will really push the envelope, especially if they are expected to be used in combat. This will require the existing designs to be further developed and proven for operational use. Many CCAs are technically developmental models. It is also interesting to note that Denmark is taking action and making procurements, while many other MoDs appear to still be talking about what they might do. This is presumably the outcome of close cooperation and a shared understanding between the Danish government, MoD, and treasury. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on October 13, 2025. The lead image shows F-35s and F-16s flying in formation. The two aircraft work together in Denmark’s defence. Credit: Danish MoD.