Summary

  • The new Danish F-16 jet, named E-006 Dannebrog, pays tribute to Danish aviation history and the national flag.
  • E-006 marks the 50th anniversary of the F-16 and will serve in airshows and operational tasks.
  • Denmark is donating F-16s to Ukraine, where they will face formidable Russian threats in the conflict.

The Royal Danish Air Force has revealed its successor to the iconic F-16 E-191 (called the “Dannebrog”). The first images of the replacement F-16 jet have been released, and it will be Denmark’s new flying ambassador. The jet, painted in the livery of Denmark’s national flag, is a source of Danish pride, symbolizing the Nordic country’s aviation prowess. The former “Dannnebrog” has been committed to Ukraine, where Denmark has permitted it to strike targets inside Russia.

Fighting Falcons bearing the Danish flag

Denmark is to bid farewell to the Fighting Falcon emblazoned with the Danish flag. “Dannebrog” literally means “Danish cloth” and is the name of the Danish national flag—a name also applied to the E-191. The E-191 was specially painted to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Danish flag in 2019.

 Royal Danish Air Force F-16

Photo: Karolis Kavolelis l Shutterstock

As with many origin stories, the lore of the Danish flag’s origin is shrouded in myth and legend. In 1219 (around 150 years after the end of the Viking Age), the Danes were crusading in what is now Estonia. Danish lore says, “…the Danish flag fell from heaven during a battle in present-day Estonia, helping the Danish army to an unexpected victory.

E-191 is among those donated to Ukraine; another F-16 with the tail number E-006 has been selected to succeed it. European Airshows notes that the new Fighting Falcon, with tail number E-006, boasts “a new and invigorated paint scheme that not only honors Denmark’s flag but also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the F-16 aircraft’s first flight in 1974.”

“…the E-006 stands as a symbol of resilience, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the Dannebrog.” – Forsvaret

A Royal Danish Air Force F-16C flying in the sky.

The E-006 Falcon is expected to be mostly engaged in training missions and operational tasks. It is also expected to feature prominently in the Danish F-16 Solo Display Team when performing at European airshows. The general public will be able to witness the E-006 firsthand at upcoming airshows and operational displays.

Related

Nordic Backing: Ukraine Expects Danish F-16s This Summer & Norwegian F-16s This Autumn

Denmark’s first F-16s are due to arrive in Ukraine this summer followed by Norway’s in the autumn.

Onwards to Ukraine

For the last 2.5 years, Denmark has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters and one of the most generous donors when measured by percentage of GDP. It is symbolic that Denmark is donating the very aircraft that carried the Danish flag as its aerial ambassador.

In Ukraine, the former Dannebrog will participate in the largest land war in Europe since World War Two. There, the former Danish jet will face a daunting task to defend Ukraine from Russian attacks. It will immediately be one of Russia’s high-priority targets in Ukraine.

A Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Flying in the sky.

Denmark has committed to donating 19 aging F-16s to Ukraine (another 24 Danish F-16s were sold to Argentina). The iconic F-16 Fighting Falcons are being replaced by the new 5th-generation F-35 fighter jet. Denmark purchased a total of 77 F-16A/B fighter jets over the years (of which 48 jets and 14 spares were upgraded to MLU standards). The last of the combat F-16s are expected to be withdrawn from service in 2025.

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