Danish Decision Unwavering: Continuation of Purchase for US F-35 Warplanes
Denmark's commitment to buying more US F-35 fighter jets remains firm, even amidst the rocky relationship with Donald Trump who eyes Greenland as a potential territory.
Strengthening the Fleet
Defence Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, in a conversation with Børsen newspaper, stated that it's only logical to acquire more F-35s to fortify Denmark's fleet of fighter jets. This decision comes in the wake of a substantial increase in Denmark's defence spending.
Moving Forward
Despite friction with specific U.S. policies, ceasing longstanding defense collaboration with the United States seems unrealistic and potentially detrimental to Denmark's security interests. Denmark has over seven decades of defense cooperation with the U.S., making such a move impractical.
The High Cost of Security
The purchase of F-35s involves a substantial price tag of around $85 million per jet, totalling approximately $3 billion for the initial 27 F-35As. However, this investment supports Denmark's security commitments and adheres to NATO standards.
Better the Devil You Know
At present, there is no readily available European alternative that can match the F-35's capabilities. European nations are developing their own fighter jets, but these are not yet ready to serve the roles the F-35 currently plays.
In essence, Denmark's decision demonstrates a balanced approach, addressing immediate defense requirements while managing diplomatic rifts with the U.S. over issues like Greenland.
Additional Insights
- Don't Miss Out: Denmark's air force is phasing out the F-16, considering the F-35 an essential upgrade for maintaining air defense capabilities, especially for Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions.
- History Matters: Denmark's defense cooperation with the United States dates back over 75 years, making the partnership a cornerstone of Denmark's security strategy.
- A Heavy Investment: The purchase of F-35s represents a substantial financial commitment, with each jet costing approximately $85 million. However, this investment serves to uphold Denmark's defense obligations and fall in line with NATO norms.
- Limited Alternatives: Currently, there is no viable European alternative that can replicate the F-35's capabilities. European nations are developing their own fighter jets, but these aren't yet capable of replacing the roles the F-35 carries out.
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- In light of Denmark's decision to buy more F-35 fighter jets, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told Børsen newspaper that acquiring more F-35s is necessary to strengthen Denmark's fleet, given the increase in defense spending.
- Despite tensions with the U.S. over issues like Greenland, ending longstanding defense collaboration with the United States seems impractical for Denmark, given the country's over seven decades of defense cooperation.
- The purchase of F-35s involves a hefty price tag, with each jet costing around $85 million and the initial 27 F-35As costing approximately $3 billion. However, this investment supports Denmark's security commitments and adheres to NATO standards.
- With no readily available European alternative that can match the F-35's capabilities, Denmark's decision to buy more F-35s demonstrates a balanced approach, addressing immediate defense requirements while managing diplomatic rifts with the U.S.
- Poulsen's views underscore the importance of maintaining Denmark's air defense capabilities, as the country's air force is phasing out the F-16 and considers the F-35 an essential upgrade for Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions.
