In 2025, the skies over Denmark and beyond will witness a historic farewell as the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) F-16 Solo Display team performs its final season. This marks the end of an era for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a jet that has defined Danish military aviation for over four decades. Denmark has accelerated the retirement of its F-16 fleet, with the last aircraft now scheduled to be out of service by the end of 2025, two years earlier than initially planned, as it makes way for the cutting-edge F-35 Lightning II.

The Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Solo Display team has been a dazzling presence at air shows across Europe since the early 2010s, captivating audiences with the sheer power and agility of the F-16. Known for their dynamic performances, the team has showcased the aircraft’s capabilities through high-speed passes, tight turns, and breathtaking vertical climbs, turning heads at events like the Farnborough International Airshow and the Radom Air Show. More than just a spectacle, these displays have served as a testament to Denmark’s commitment to excellence in military aviation, blending technical prowess with the artistry of flight.

The team, typically operating a single F-16 adorned with striking liveries—such as the iconic “Dannebrog” design—has become a symbol of national pride, thrilling aviation enthusiasts and casual spectators alike. As 2025 approaches, the announcement that this will be their final season has cast a bittersweet shadow over their performances, signaling the retirement of an aircraft that has been a cornerstone of the RDAF since 1980. The transition to the F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, is driving this change, promising a future of advanced technology while closing the chapter on the F-16’s storied legacy.

Leading the team into this final season is Captain Troels K. Dehli Vang, a pilot whose skill and charisma have made him the heart of the F-16 Solo Display team in recent years. Known by his call sign “TEO,” Captain Vang brings a wealth of experience to the cockpit, with thousands of flight hours accumulated over a career that began in the late 2000s when he joined the RDAF. Born and raised in Denmark, his journey to becoming a display pilot is one of dedication and passion, honed through combat missions, training exercises, and countless hours mastering the F-16. His performances are renowned for their precision and thrill, earning him accolades at shows like the Radom 2023 Air Show and the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2024, where he debuted the newly painted Dannebrog-liveried F-16 E-006. For Captain Vang, the F-16 is more than an aircraft—it’s a partner in the sky, a machine he’s grown to know intimately.

The F-16’s journey with the Royal Danish Air Force began in the mid-1970s, rooted in a strategic decision to modernize Denmark’s aerial capabilities. In 1975, Denmark joined Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway in forming the European Participating Air Forces (EPAF), a collaborative initiative aimed at procuring the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. This move represented a significant leap forward, replacing aging aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre and the F-104G Starfighter, which had been the mainstay of the RDAF during the Cold War era. The F-16, with its advanced design and multirole capabilities, promised to bolster Denmark’s contribution to NATO’s defense framework. The first F-16A landed on Danish soil on January 28, 1980, at Eskadrille 727, Karup Air Base, marking the start of a substantial fleet buildup. Over the years, Denmark acquired a total of 77 aircraft—comprising 46 single-seat F-16As and 12 two-seat F-16Bs, with additional units brought in to replace losses sustained during training or operations.

The production of these aircraft highlighted the strength of multinational cooperation within NATO. The jets were manufactured by SABCA in Belgium and Fokker in the Netherlands, showcasing a shared commitment to technological advancement and collective security among allied nations. To ensure the F-16 remained a viable asset amid evolving threats, the RDAF invested in significant upgrades over the decades. In the late 1980s, the fleet was updated to Block 10 standards, which improved its structural integrity, avionics, and overall performance, making it more reliable for Denmark’s air defense needs. Later, in the 1990s, the Mid-Life Update (MLU) program introduced transformative enhancements, including modernized cockpit systems, advanced radar capabilities, and the integration of precision-guided munitions. These upgrades not only extended the operational lifespan of the F-16 but also expanded its role from a primarily air-to-air combat platform to a versatile multirole fighter, capable of delivering precise strikes and supporting a variety of missions critical to Denmark’s national and international obligations.

The F-16’s operational tenure with the Royal Danish Air Force is a testament to its adaptability and enduring value across a wide range of missions. Its combat debut came in 1999 during Operation Allied Force, a NATO-led campaign in Yugoslavia aimed at halting humanitarian crises in the region. Danish F-16s flew numerous sorties, delivering airstrikes and providing tactical support, which marked the RDAF’s first engagement in combat operations since World War II. This milestone underscored the aircraft’s transition from a Cold War-era deterrent to an active participant in modern conflicts. Following this, the F-16 played a pivotal role in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where Danish pilots conducted air support missions and reconnaissance flights, contributing to coalition efforts against terrorism. These deployments demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to operate effectively in challenging environments far from home, supporting ground forces with precision and reliability.

Beyond traditional combat, the F-16 took on diverse roles that highlighted its versatility. It participated in Mediterranean border control operations, assisting in surveillance and security efforts as part of NATO’s broader strategic initiatives. Closer to home, the aircraft served as a key component of Denmark’s air defense, patrolling the skies over the Baltic Sea to safeguard national sovereignty and fulfill NATO commitments. Throughout these missions, the F-16’s performance was bolstered by the skill and dedication of RDAF pilots and ground crews, who maintained its readiness over decades of service. From its arrival in 1980 to the present day, the F-16 has remained the backbone of Denmark’s air power for over four decades, evolving with technological advancements and adapting to shifting geopolitical demands. Its legacy is one of resilience and flexibility, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the RDAF and a symbol of Denmark’s enduring partnership within the NATO alliance.

The Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) is undergoing a significant transformation as the venerable F-16, a workhorse of Denmark’s skies for decades, prepares to take its final bow. It is being succeeded by the F-35A Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter that represents a quantum leap in technology and capability, poised to redefine Denmark’s aerial defense. Denmark’s journey with the F-35 began in 2002, when it joined the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program during its development phase, a strategic decision that allowed the nation to influence the aircraft’s design to meet its specific operational needs and brought economic benefits, with Danish companies contributing to the development and production, creating jobs and fostering technological expertise. In 2016, the RDAF committed to purchasing 27 F-35As, a substantial $3 billion investment aimed at replacing the aging F-16 fleet, which had served faithfully since the early 1980s. The first F-35A, designated L-001, was delivered in April 2021, with initial operations focused on training at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, USA, a key international hub for preparing pilots and maintainers for this advanced platform. By September 2023, the first four aircraft arrived at Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark, the designated hub for the F-35 fleet, with further deliveries continuing into 2025. As of March 2025, 17 F-35s have been delivered—11 stationed at Skrydstrup and six remaining at Luke AFB to support ongoing pilot and maintainer training, marking steady progress in this ambitious modernization effort.

The F-35 brings a host of transformative advantages over its predecessor, equipping the RDAF with cutting-edge technology for the modern battlefield. Its advanced stealth technology reduces its radar signature, rendering it nearly invisible to enemy defenses, while an integrated sensor suite—including the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) and Distributed Aperture System (DAS)—provides unparalleled situational awareness, giving pilots a 360-degree view of their surroundings. The aircraft’s multirole design allows it to excel in air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance, making it a versatile asset for Denmark’s defense needs. Strategically, the F-35 strengthens Denmark’s NATO commitments, particularly in the Baltic region, where it will take on air-policing duties with two jets maintained on constant standby to respond to potential threats. However, the transition has not been without hurdles. Delays tied to the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade—a critical software and hardware enhancement essential for the F-35’s full functionality—have slowed deliveries, forcing the RDAF to repatriate some TR-2 configured aircraft from the U.S. to Denmark in late 2024 and early 2025 to maintain momentum. Despite these challenges, the RDAF aims to achieve initial operational capability in 2025, enabling limited mission deployment, with full operational capability targeted for 2027, ensuring a smooth and effective handover from the F-16 fleet. As part of this shift, some retiring F-16s have been donated to Ukraine, extending their service life in support of international allies and reflecting Denmark’s commitment to global security partnerships.

As the Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Solo Display team gears up for its final performances in 2025, the occasion is both a celebration and a farewell. The team’s displays will honor the F-16’s remarkable journey—from its arrival in 1980 to its role in shaping Denmark’s military identity. For Captain Vang and his colleagues, these last flights are a chance to pay tribute to an aircraft that has been a faithful companion, its roar a familiar sound over Danish skies. The F-16’s legacy is one of resilience and achievement, from NATO missions to awe-inspiring air shows, and its retirement marks the end of a golden age. Yet, with the F-35 poised to take flight, the future looks bright. The new aircraft promises to carry forward Denmark’s tradition of innovation and strength, building on the foundation laid by the Falcon. As the curtains close on the F-16 Solo Display team’s performances, they leave behind memories of soaring triumphs and a legacy that will echo in the annals of Danish aviation history.