The roar of the Fighting Falcon has officially faded into history over the skies of Denmark. After 46 years of relentless service, the Royal Danish Air Force retired its fleet of F-16 fighter planes this week. The historic ceremony at Skrydstrup Air Base marked the end of an era and the beginning of a stealth dominant future. This strategic shift not only modernizes Danish defense but also reshapes air power dynamics in Ukraine and South America.
A Historic Farewell at Skrydstrup Air Base
The atmosphere at Skrydstrup Air Base was heavy with nostalgia on January 18. Pilots and ground crews gathered to watch four F-16 jets touch down for the very last time. These aircraft performed a final formation flight over Danish soil before taxiing into Hangar 3. It was a fitting send off for a machine that has guarded Danish sovereignty since 1980.
The Royal Danish Air Force originally purchased 77 of these versatile fighters.
The F-16 was a revolutionary machine when it debuted. Engineers designed it in the 1970s to be a lightweight and highly agile dogfighter. It broke the mold of heavy and sluggish aircraft common at the time. This design philosophy was driven by the famous “Lightweight Fighter Mafia” group within the Pentagon. They prioritized speed and maneuverability above all else.
The F-16 legacy includes:
- 46 years of continuous active service.
- Combat operations during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
- Successful interception of an Iraqi MiG fighter.
- Over 4,500 units produced globally.
Denmark has now closed this chapter. The focus has shifted entirely to the future of aerial warfare. The pilots who flew these jets expressed deep respect for the airframe. They trusted it with their lives for decades.
royal danish air force f-35 lightning ii formation flight
Why the F-35 Lightning II Is a Game Changer
Denmark has replaced the aging F-16s with the ultra modern F-35A Lightning II. The Danish Defense Ministry has committed to a total of 43 of these fifth generation fighters. Deliveries began in 2023 and the fleet is now fully operational. This transition makes Denmark the third nation to operate an all fifth generation air force. They join Norway and the Netherlands in this elite club.
The F-35A is not just a faster plane. It is a flying supercomputer.
It brings capabilities that the F-16 simply could not match. The new jet features advanced stealth technology that makes it nearly invisible to enemy radar. It also utilizes “sensor fusion” to gather data from ground, sea and air sources. The pilot sees a complete picture of the battlefield on a high tech helmet display.
| Feature | F-16 Fighting Falcon | F-35A Lightning II |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 4th Generation | 5th Generation |
| Stealth | Minimal | Advanced Low Observable |
| Top Speed | Mach 2.0 | Mach 1.6 |
| Primary Role | Dogfight / Multi-role | Stealth / Network Warfare |
| Engine Thrust | ~29,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs |
The F-35A uses a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine. This powerhouse generates 40,000 pounds of thrust. The aircraft officially took over NATO Quick Reaction Alert duties from the F-16 on April 1, 2025. This ensures that Danish airspace remains secure against modern threats.
Bolstering Ukraine Defense Against Russian Attacks
The retirement of these jets does not mean they are heading to the scrapyard. A significant portion of the fleet has found a critical new home in Ukraine. Denmark pledged to donate 19 F-16s to the Ukrainian Air Force in 2023. The transfer is now well underway.
Ukraine desperately needs these platforms.
The first Danish jets arrived in Ukraine in August 2024. They immediately went to work. The Ukrainian Air Force utilizes them to hunt down Russian cruise missiles and suicide drones. This protects civilians and energy infrastructure from bombardment. The F-16s also carry precision guided bombs to support troops on the front lines.
“These actions have helped to make these planes more suitable for sale than scrapping.”
Denmark maintained these airframes meticulously. They modernized the avionics and systems repeatedly over the last four decades. This means Ukraine is receiving fully capable combat aircraft rather than worn out relics. The Danish government is also funding pilot training and ongoing maintenance costs. This comprehensive support ensures Ukraine can keep the jets flying during high intensity combat operations.
Argentina Air Force Regains Supersonic Capabilities
The remaining serviceable jets are heading across the Atlantic to South America. Denmark agreed to sell 24 F-16s to Argentina. This deal marks a massive upgrade for the Argentine Air Force. The country has lacked supersonic interceptor capability since retiring its Mirage fighters in 2015.
The deal faced complex hurdles.
The United States government had to approve the transfer because the F-16 is American technology. Washington heavily supported the move to strengthen regional security ties. The package is comprehensive. It includes the 24 aircraft alongside spare parts and flight simulators.
The Argentina deal breakdown:
- Total Jets: 24 modernized F-16s.
- First Delivery: December 2025 (Six aircraft).
- Completion: Annual batches delivered through 2028.
- Capability: Restoration of supersonic air defense.
This sale proves the enduring value of the F-16. It remains a potent weapon system even decades after its design. Denmark has managed to modernize its own forces while simultaneously strengthening two different allies on two different continents.
The January 2026 retirement ceremony at Skrydstrup was more than a goodbye. It was a strategic redistribution of air power. Denmark steps into the future with the F-35. Ukraine gains a lifeline for its survival. Argentina restores a lost defense capability. The F-16 may be gone from Danish hangars, but its mission is far from over.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this military transition. Do you think the F-35 is a worthy successor to the legendary F-16? Share your opinion in the comments below. If you are following this news on social media, use the hashtag #DanishAirPower to join the conversation.
