The Danish government has been strengthening its position in recent months as a key player within the transatlantic security framework. In a geopolitical context marked by the conflict in Ukraine and the growing militarization of the Arctic, the Scandinavian country has advanced in key defense agreements: from the acquisition of new F-35A stealth fighters from the United States to European coordination to donate ten Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as well as new forms of cooperation with the United States, Norway, and new strategic partners such as Argentina, to which it is in the process of transferring 24 F-16AM/BM Block 15 fighters.
During an address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that Europe is negotiating the joint purchase of ten Patriot systems from the United States, with the aim of donating them to Ukraine amid escalating Russian attacks. “I think [Donald] Trump is on the right track. He has promised that this possibility is on the table. We are talking right now about those 10 Patriot systems,” he said.
The move was backed by signals from Washington: the former U.S. president and current Republican leader confirmed this week that “we’re going to send more weapons to Ukraine… they need to be able to defend themselves. They are being hit hard,” in statements made ahead of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Additionally, this aid to Ukraine has not been limited to the Patriot systems purchase. It is worth noting that in early August 2024, Kyiv confirmed the reception and official incorporation of its first F-16 fighters transferred by Western allies. Among them is Denmark, which has pledged to transfer 19 of its Fighting Falcons, along with various support packages for the aircraft, while advancing in the reception of its F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters. The latest update on this process came just days ago from Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, who confirmed that the Nordic country has already delivered a total of 12 out of the 19 committed aircraft.
Modernization of the Danish Air Force: more F-35As and farewell to the F-16s
In parallel, the Danish government confirmed its plans to acquire at least 10 additional F-35A Lightning II fighters as part of its Air Force modernization plan. So far, the country has ordered 27 units, of which 15 have been delivered, and six remain in the United States for pilot and crew training purposes. Deliveries had been delayed over the past year due to global certification issues with the TR-3 software, although the process has since resumed.
Copenhagen plans to gradually phase out its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons, which are still in service and continue to conduct patrol missions over Greenland and the Baltic Sea. Meanwhile, the growing fleet of F-35As has already begun to take on some of the alert and interception duties.
One confirmed destination for Denmark’s F-16s is the Argentine Air Force, which will receive 24 aircraft as part of a strategic agreement recently signed between the two governments. In April, Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri oversaw the preparation of the first six fighters at Aalborg Air Base, which are expected to arrive in the South American country in December. A memorandum of understanding was also signed to deepen bilateral cooperation, including technology transfer and training.
Shared defense in the Arctic and new operational alliances
Denmark’s enhanced presence in the Arctic, a region of growing strategic interest, is also materializing through the deployment of fighters at Pituffik Space Base (Greenland) and through operational agreements with Norway and Germany. One such agreement involves the acquisition of flight hours aboard the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft instead of purchasing the aircraft outright.
“We don’t want to acquire the planes, but we do want to use their capabilities. It’s a practical and cost-effective step,” said Lund Poulsen. The decision follows a series of Danish Ministry of Defense assessments on renewing its fleet of surveillance, search and rescue aircraft.
As for relations with the United States, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen clarified that despite historical tensions surrounding Greenland’s sovereignty, there were no intense discussions on the matter during this official visit. “We share with the United States the need for a stronger presence in the Arctic, but it must be done by joining forces, not through competition,” he stated.
Denmark, a key ally in Euro-Atlantic defense
In an uncertain global landscape, Denmark is emerging as a reliable partner of both the United States and Europe in defense matters. Its active participation in military support to Ukraine, the modernization of its Air Force, its cooperation with countries like Argentina, and its renewed role in the Arctic position the country as a top-tier strategic actor within NATO and beyond.
Images for illustrative purposes only.
You may also like: As Their Transfer to Argentina and Ukraine Advances, Danish F-16 Fighters Deployed to Greenland
