Royal Danish Air Force

The Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) is a compact and highly specialized force structured to meet both national and collective defence commitments. Its organization is centered on an Air Command overseeing three principal wings: a Fighter Wing at Skrydstrup, an Air Transport Wing at Aalborg, and a Helicopter Wing at Karup. This structure is supported by an Air Control Wing for surveillance and command, an Operations Support Wing, and a Joint Movement and Transport Organisation. This streamlined command allows for the efficient deployment of its assets for a range of missions.

The operational capabilities of the RDAF are primarily focused on air defence, surveillance of the vast North Atlantic and Arctic regions, tactical transport, and search and rescue. Its doctrine has evolved significantly since the end of the Cold War. Initially developed with influences from USAF strategic concepts, Danish air power doctrine later aligned with NATO's AJP 3.3 framework. The contemporary doctrinal focus has shifted back towards territorial defence and operations against a peer-level adversary, driven by the current geopolitical climate. This approach emphasizes high-readiness and seamless integration with allied forces, particularly within the NATO command structure.

The RDAF has a history of participating in international operations, including combat engagements over the Balkans, Afghanistan, Libya, and against ISIL. These deployments provided valuable operational experience and honed the force's expeditionary capabilities. Danish F-16s have been consistently involved in NATO air policing missions in the Baltics, demonstrating the force's commitment to collective security.

The replacement of the F-16 fleet with the F-35A Lightning II is planned. Denmark has ordered 27 F-35s, which are being progressively introduced to service with a target of full operational capability by 2027. The integration of the F-35 is seen as a catalyst for a broader transformation into a 5th-generation air arm, enhancing not only its combat power but also its intelligence, surveillance, and networking capabilities as a force multiplier for the entire Danish armed forces and NATO allies.