Denmark will transfer part of its F-16 fighters to Ukraine, but there is a nuance

The Danish Air Force has decommissioned F-16 fighters, some of which will be delivered to Ukraine and Argentina. This was reported by local media.

It is reported that on January 18, at the Skridstrup airbase, three F-16 fighters took off for the last group flight as part of their official stay with the Royal Danish Air Force.

"The Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) has become the last NATO operator to decommission the iconic F-16 fighter. While the F-35A is already in service to protect Denmark, the Danish F-16 will continue to serve in Argentina, as well as on Ukraine," the media report says.

It is noted that some of the decommissioned Danish F-16 fighters have already been transferred to Ukraine and Argentina. As part of the overall supply program of 87 F-16s from four countries, Ukraine received 19 aircraft from Denmark. Argentina, in turn, purchased 24 fighters, of which the first six were delivered in December 2025.

In total, Denmark acquired 77 F-16A/B in the late 1970s as part of a joint program with Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway. During operation, these fighters were involved in NATO operations over Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Libya, as well as patrolling the airspace of the Baltic States and Iceland. In 2023, Denmark received the first F-35A, and by 2025 plans to commission all 43 ordered aircraft.