Denmark has officially retired its F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet after 46 years of service and is now completing its transition to the F-35A Lightning II. The fourth-generation fighters made their final flights during a farewell ceremony at Skrydstrup Air Base, marking the end of an era that began in 1980. Over four decades, Danish F-16s supported operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and the Balkans, conducted NATO air-policing missions, and safeguarded Greenland and Iceland. As the aircraft are withdrawn, Denmark has redirected part of the fleet to allied partners, donating several jets to Ukraine and selling 24 aircraft to Argentina, which received its first Danish F-16 in December. Looking ahead, Denmark plans to field 43 F-35A fighters, combining its original 27-aircraft order with an additional 16 approved in October 2025 amid rising regional security concerns. Deliveries are continuing, with full operational capability expected by 2027.
