Denmark Retires F-16 Fleet After 46 Years with F-35 Taking Center Stage

January 20, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1768939830348-2056

Europe's Longest-Running F-16 Operation Comes to an End Amid F-35 Dominance

Denmark has retired its F-16 fleet after nearly five decades of service, marking the end of one of Europe’s longest-running operations. The Royal Danish Air Force will now operate an all-F-35 combat aircraft force, as announced by AeroTime reports. Denmark introduced the F-16 in 1980 and upgraded 61 aircraft through the Mid-Life Update program to the F-16AM/BM standard. The retirement comes amid heightened tensions between Copenhagen and Washington over Greenland’s security, with US officials urging Denmark to strengthen defenses in the Arctic region.

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Key Takeaways

Denmark formally retired its F-16 fleet after 46 years.
Transitioned to all-F-35 combat aircraft force.
Final operational flights took place on January 18, 2026.
F-35s will continue operational service elsewhere.

Terma

Strategic Implications

This retirement may indicate Denmark’s confidence in the F-35’s capabilities and its ability to replace aging platforms. The transition could also suggest a shift towards more modern air power, potentially affecting regional security dynamics.