Due to the threat from Russia, Denmark will retain its fleet of F-16 fighters

Denmark will retain its fleet of F-16 fighter jets for three years longer than originally planned, facing an increased security threat from the Russian Federation.

Morten Bødskov, Minister of Defense of the country, announced this on Monday, as per Reuters reports.

The country will spend 1.1 billion Danish kroner ($156 million) to ensure the operational capabilities of its F-16s until 2027.

“The defense of NATO territory to the east is more central than at any other time in recent history. That is why we are extending the operational capacity of the F-16s while the new F-35 jets are being phased in,” Bødskov said in a statement.

Previously, Denmark planned to decommission its F-16 fighter jets in 2024.

“Putin’s aggression in Ukraine has changed Europe and the threats we face,” he said.

Ministry of Defense reported that this decision will allow Denmark to strengthen its national defense and participate in NATO missions, such as Baltic Air Policing. The Danish Air Force currently has 30 F-16 fighter jets that were in service since 1980.

In 2016, Denmark decided to purchase the F-35 Lightning newest multi-purpose fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.

Denmark has been participating in the development program of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft since 1997, which allowed its specialists to participate in the development of the fighter jet, and the Danish enterprises could receive orders for the production of components.

Based on the results of the assessment conducted during 2013-2016, on May 12, 2016, the Danish government decided to recommend purchasing at least 27 new F-35 fighter jets for the country’s Air Force from the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

The first F-35 fighter jet with the “L-001” hull number was transferred in April last year to be mastered by the Danish pilots and personnel in the United States.

Ukraine had been strengthening its coastal defense with Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Before that, it was reported that Denmark would transfer the anti-ship missiles and ground-based mobile launchers for them to Ukraine.