Earlier this week, L-001,üDenmark'süfirst F-35 Lightning II production aircraft flew its inaugural flight.üDenmarküis the fifth European NATO nation to fly and operate an F-35, strengthening NATO's 5th generation airpower foundation.üDenmarküis joining four other European nations who already operate the F-35: theüUnited Kingdom,üthe Netherlands,üNorwayüandüItaly.
Like the F-16 before it, the F-35 is spearheading NATO's air power and ensuringüstrategic integration of allied combat airpower. The vital interoperability of the 5th Generation F-35 binds 13 allies and partners withüthe United Statesüin air dominance and enabling critical joint capabilities.üThe F-35 will serve as a force multiplier forüDenmark, allowing the Royal Danish Air Force to train and fight alongside NATO allies and create a strong deterrent.
Achieving the first flight ofüDenmark'süfirst F-35 is major milestone for the Denmark F-35 program and a testament to the outstanding abilities of our dedicated and highly trained joint industry and government team,ç üsaidüBill Brotherton, acting F-35 vice president and general manager. çThis team's focus on delivering the most effective, survivable and connected fighter in the world will ensure the sovereign protection ofüDenmarküand strengthen allies and partners through the NATO F-35 coalition.ç
L-001 is scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Danish Air Force in April and will be flown to Luke Air Force Base,üArizona, later this year for pilot and maintainer training. F-35s will arrive inüDenmarküin 2023 and be based at Royal Danish Air Force's Fighter Wing Skrydstrup where it will safeguard the skies overüDenmarküand its NATO allies.
