Denmark keeps F-16 fighter jets flying due to Russia threat

As part of NATO drills, a Danish F16 fighter plane intercepts a Belgian transport plane flying over Denmark. Photograph taken 14 January, 2020.

Denmark's F-16 fighter jet fleet will remain operational for three more years than originally planned in the face of a heightened Russian security threat, Denmark's Defence Minister Morten Bodskov said on Monday (20 June).

To keep its F-16s in flight until 2027, the NATO country will spend 1.1 million Danish crowns ($156million). Denmark purchased a fleet F-35 Lightning fighter planes from Lockheed Martin in 2016. The country also plans to retire its F-16s by 2024.

"The defense of NATO territory to its east is more important than ever in recent history." Bodskov stated in a statement that we have increased the operational capability of F-16s and are gradually adding F-35 jets to our fleet.

He stated that Putin's aggression in Ukraine had changed Europe and the threats it faces.

According to the defense ministry, this decision will enable Denmark to increase its national defense and participate in NATO missions such as air police in the Baltic states.

($1 = 7.0640 Danish crowns)