Denmark plans to bring home its six F-35 Joint Strike Fighters currently in the U.S. for training as the delivery schedule for an upgraded version of the aircraft is delayed. The six Danish F-35 jets will join the country’s operational fleet to replace older F-16 jets.
Lockheed Martin is facing delays in delivering F-35 jets due to software issues linked to the TR-3 update, affecting Denmark, Belgium, and Norway’s fleet replacement plans. The TR-3 software update includes improved capabilities but remains unstable, delaying full delivery into 2025.
Denmark’s decision to repatriate the TR-2 jets will maintain operational milestones for the F-35 program, increasing training capabilities at home while pilot training at Luke AFB continues. Other European F-35 customers worry about the impact of delays on their aircraft-delivery and upgrade schedules.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the phase-in of F-35 jets, a significant investment for Denmark’s defense. The remaining F-35s are expected to be delivered by 2027 in TR-3 configuration, with no impact on NATO obligations or plans to donate F-16s to Ukraine.
