Copenhagen Acquires More F-35s and Plans Arctic Defense Expansion Amid Tensions
Denmark has pledged to invest 56.4 billion Danish Krone ($8.77 billion) to significantly enhance its defense capabilities. This funding will be divided between acquiring an additional 16 Lockheed Martin F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, valued at 27.4 billion Danish Krone, and implementing an Arctic spending plan, also costing 27.4 billion Danish Krone.
F-35 Fleet Expansion
The decision to purchase more F-35 stealth jets will bring the Danish Air Force’s fleet to 43 aircraft, enabling it to „solve new combat aircraft tasks,” according to a translated statement from the Danish Ministry of Defence (MoD). In June, Denmark’s Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen initially shared that at least 10 more of the US made aircraft would be acquired.
„The Ministry of Defense will now initiate a dialogue with the international F-35 program office with the aim of being able to implement a rapid delivery of the new fighter aircraft, which can support a rapid build-up of the Danish Armed Forces’ combat power,” the MoD stated.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)
Copenhagen revealed that „as something new,” the F-35 acquisition will also include Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) wingman drones, seemingly confirming plans to acquire the US-made platforms. The exact timing of this order remains uncertain, as the US Air Force program only reached its flight test phase in August.
The CCAs „are seen as a significant contribution to operational task solving. 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 MoD noted.
The funding also covers spare parts, flight simulators, and other supporting systems for the combat jet acquisition. The F-35 platform is a core component of Denmark’s contributions to NATO missions.
Arctic Defense Spending
In a separate statement, Copenhagen detailed its Arctic spending plan, driven by land and maritime investments, with a significant emphasis on boosting Greenland’s defenses. Plans for a new Arctic Command headquarters in Nuuk, Greenland, have been approved, along with the „provision of maritime patrol aircraft,” potentially through cooperation with a NATO counterpart.
Lund Poulsen previously indicated that if a maritime patrol aircraft deal involving alliance members does not materialize, Copenhagen will pursue a deal independently.
Other procurements included in the regional spending push include a pair of Arctic ships, while „access to icebreaker capability” has also been approved. Investments in a North Atlantic submarine cable between Denmark and Greenland, drone procurements, and the development of a radar capability in East Greenland have also been approved by lawmakers.
Geopolitical Context
Denmark’s prioritization of boosting defenses in Greenland comes amid political tensions with US President Donald Trump, stemming from his comments regarding the possibility of buying or taking the self-ruled territory by force.
