Lockheed Martin won a $700.4 million contract in March 2026 to begin production of additional F-35A Lightning II jets for Denmark. The deal funds long-lead parts and components for Lots 20–21 of F-35A fighters, covering 16 new jets (beyond Denmark’s original 27) to expand its fleet to 43. This boosts Denmark’s air power and NATO contributions, with deliveries through 2030 as the jets are assembled and flown out of Lockheed’s Fort Worth, TX, plant and partner sites.
Lockheed Martin secures $700M F-35A production contract for Denmark. (U.S. Air Force)
Denmark’s Ministry of Defence confirmed in October 2025 that it would acquire 16 more F-35A fighter jets and bring the total fleet to 43. Work on the contract adds scope for long-lead material, parts and components for these jets. Of the $700.4 million, about $305.9 million comes from Denmark as an F-35 partner nation and $394.5 million from other Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will be performed mainly in Fort Worth (59%), with key subcontractors in El Segundo, CA; Warton (UK); Cameri (Italy) and other U.S. facilities. The long-lead production is expected to run through December 2030, suggesting the 16 jets will arrive around 2030. The new fighters are the F-35A variant and will join Denmark’s existing F-35As to replace aging F-16s. Denmark already operates 15 F-35As and expects to receive the remaining 12 of its original 27 orders this year. The ramp-up supports Denmark’s Arctic defense duties from Skrydstrup Air Base and its NATO air-policing role, since the jets “support both national air defense missions and allied operations within NATO”.
Defense officials hailed the contract: Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the extra fighters are a “historic strengthening” of Danish air power, and Chief of Defence Gen. Michael Hyldgaard noted the purchase “significantly” increases Denmark’s combat power and NATO contribution. In turn, Lockheed Martin stated it remains fully committed to the Danish F-35 program, promising to deliver all needed support and sustainment infrastructure for its customer’s fleet. Some political debate has followed the F-35 deal: Rasmus Jarlov, head of the Danish defense committee, recently said he “regrets” the F-35 purchase and warned of a “security risk” in depending on U.S. technology, though Pentagon officials reject any remote “kill-switch” in the jets. Delivery of the parts is scheduled for completion by 2030, with the aircraft joining the Royal Danish Air Force shortly thereafter.