Danish Skyward: The Royal Air Force Unveils its First F-35 with Lockheed Martin

Danish and American officials commemorated the unveiling of the inaugural F-35A Lightning II for the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) today at Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) in Fort Worth, Texas. This significant milestone in the F-35 program reinforces national security and international alliances among the United States, Denmark, and other F-35 partner and purchasing nations.

“The global security landscape is becoming increasingly intricate,” stated Trine Bramsen, Danish Minister of Defense. “The ability to safeguard oneself and one’s allies is vital. For peace. For stability. For freedom and democracy. With the advanced F-35 fighter jets, we will enhance our capacity to defend Denmark. Our region. And wherever necessary, as we have historically done—shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. and other allies. The F-35s will be central to the Danish Defense in the decades to come.”

Similar to the F-16 before it, the F-35 is at the forefront of NATO’s aerial capabilities, ensuring the strategic integration of allied air power. The crucial interoperability of the 5th Generation F-35 connects 13 allies and partners with the United States in achieving air superiority and facilitating essential joint operations. The F-35 will act as a force multiplier for Denmark, enabling the Royal Danish Air Force to train and operate alongside NATO allies, creating a robust deterrent.

“The F-35 will guarantee Denmark’s sovereignty and aerial supremacy, improve its multidomain and network-oriented coalition operations, and be instrumental in maintaining the Arctic as a secure and stable area,” expressed Greg Ulmer, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “This transformative capability is made possible by the steadfast support of the Danish government and the innovative contributions from Danish industry.”

Notable government and military officials from Denmark and the United States were present for the celebration. A replay of the event is accessible.

Danish industry plays a vital role in the F-35 Lightning II program through high-tech projects, ensuring the competitiveness and sustainability of the defense sector in Denmark. Two Danish firms, Terma A/S and Multicut A/S, are actively manufacturing components such as pylons, advanced composites, software solutions, radar elements, and horizontal tail edges for each F-35 delivered.

Denmark’s F-35 program entails 27 F-35A aircraft, all of which will be constructed at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. The initial aircraft is set to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, later this month, where Danish pilots and maintainers will commence training.

Equipped with stealth technology, supersonic speeds, advanced sensors, weapon capabilities, and increased operational range, the F-35 stands as the most sophisticated, survivable, and interconnected aircraft globally. More than just a fighter jet, the F-35’s aptitude for data collection, analysis, and sharing serves as a formidable force multiplier, enhancing all airborne, surface, and ground assets in the operational theater, enabling military personnel to fulfill their missions and return home safely. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered over 625 F-35s, trained more than 1,300 pilots, and certified over 10,380 maintainers, with the F-35 fleet having logged nearly 370,000 cumulative flight hours.