As the transfer program to Argentina and Ukraine continues to progress, F-16 fighters from the Royal Danish Air Force remain actively engaged in key airspace control duties over Danish territory. The latest mission involved a pair of Fighting Falcons deployed to Greenland, as part of efforts to bolster Denmark’s aerospace presence in the strategically important Arctic region.
Although the Royal Danish Air Force is currently transitioning from the F-16 to the new F-35, this has not prevented the Fighting Falcons from continuing their air patrol and airspace defense missions in various regions, including the Baltic and Greenland.
Recent developments in this process—gradually enabling the transfer of F-16AM/BM fighters to the Argentine and Ukrainian Air Forces—include the arrival of three new stealth fighters from the United States in January. By March, these aircraft had begun to take over some of the quick reaction alert duties that had been carried out by the Fighting Falcons for decades.
Nevertheless, the F-16s remain in active service and continue to play a key role in Denmark’s airspace control capabilities and in strengthening the Danish Armed Forces’ presence in critical areas such as the Arctic.
This was recently demonstrated by the deployment of the fighters to the U.S. Pituffik Space Base, located in northwest Greenland, during an official visit to the facility by the commander of the Danish fighter wing, Niels Andersen.
According to official statements, “… the fighters are in Greenland as part of the Danish Armed Forces’ increased presence, and to gain experience in Arctic air combat operations.”
It is also worth noting that the occasion allowed for training in various maneuvers alongside NATO allied forces. The two F-16AMs (tail numbers E-018 and E-605), which departed from the Arctic Command facility in Kangerlussuaq, were refueled in flight during the 1,200-kilometer journey by a French Air and Space Force Airbus A330 MRTT.
Despite the continued relevance of the Danish F-16 deployment in Greenland, their future is split between Argentina and Ukraine. According to recent reports stemming from a visit by an Argentine delegation to the Aalborg logistics base, the Royal Danish Air Force is preparing the first six fighters (four F-16BMs and two F-16AMs) for delivery to Argentina by the end of the year. At the same time, the transfer of a total of 12 aircraft to Ukraine—out of the 19 units committed—has been confirmed.
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