Production begins of first F-35 for Denmark
Lockheed Martin has begun production in the US of the first F-35A Lightning II multirole fighter aircraft for the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF), Danish Defence announced on 6 August.
The aircraft (tail number L-001) is being assembled in an Electronic Mate and Alignment Station. This is an electronic compatibility and assembly system designed to perform final assembly of the front, centre and rear sections of the aircraft, as well as the wing module.
‘This is an important milestone we have reached on the way to receiving the first F-35 aircraft [in 2021],’ said Maj Gen Anders Rex, head of RDAF Air Command.
The first aircraft for the RDAF will remain in the US at Luke AFB for two years, before arriving at Skrydstrup Air Base in 2023.
Denmark has been involved in development of the Joint Strike Fighter since 1997, signing a cooperation agreement in 2007 and implementing type selection in 2013-2016.
The RDAF will acquire 27 F-35As from 2021 to 2026 as it phases out the F-16. It expects the new aircraft to enter service from 2027.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
