Delivery disruptions for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter are impacting European buyers. Denmark may need to borrow or buy aircraft due to slipping delivery schedules. Norway faces delays, risking full operational capacity. Lockheed Martin is aiming for TR-3 software acceptance in the second quarter, but the third quarter is more likely.
This threatens plans for Denmark and Belgium to replace their aging F-16 fleets. Denmark has four F-35s out of 27 ordered. Belgium’s milestone for receiving 34 stealth fighters has been delayed to 2024. European buyers are waiting on TR-3 acceptance to know when they will receive their next planes.
Denmark and Belgium are exploring options to mitigate delays. Denmark may face operational consequences if F-35 delivery continues to lag. Norway and the Netherlands are in less urgent situations, already operating most of their F-35s. Norway is retired its F-16s and waiting for TR-3 upgrades. The U.S. Air Force had the first TR-3 flight in January.
Belgium, Poland, Finland, and Germany are also expecting F-35s. The U.K. has received 35 out of 48 expected aircraft. The delays impact Norway’s TR-2 upgrades, posing a risk to reaching full operational capability. Belgium and Poland are due to receive their first F-35 aircraft this year. The U.K. has formed its second F-35 squadron.
The Danish defense ministry doesn’t expect delivery issues to affect plans to donate F-16s to Ukraine. Norway says F-35 delays won’t impact F-16 deliveries to international partners. Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, U.K., and other countries are F-35 customers.
