F-16 Fighter. File photoMOSCOW, June 20Denmark will keep the F-16 fighters in service for three years longer, which was planned to be retired in 2024, while new F-35 aircraft will be introduced into the armed forces in stages , said Minister of Defense of the Kingdom Morten Bedskov. According to the head of the Ministry of Defense, the reason for this decision is due to the fact that «the situation with security policy in Europe» has changed dramatically. .jpg» />Canada and Denmark settle territorial dispute»Defending NATO territory in the East is more important than ever in recent times. Therefore, we are expanding the operational capabilities of the F-16, while the new F-35 aircraft are being put into operation in stages,» the minister also said. According to Bedskov, the launch of the Russian special operation in Ukraine «changed Europe and the threats it faces.» According to the Danish television channel TV2, during 2024, Denmark planned to decommission 43 F-16 fighters and begin replacing them with new F-35s, but the old fighters will now remain in service until 2027. It is noted that the continuation of the operation of these aircraft will cost the Danish treasury of $153.7 million.
