The Royal Danish Air Force has confirmed its participation in RIAT 2024.

The Royal Danish Air Force has recently confirmed that it will participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2024 by sending its Multi-Mission Aircraft and fighters to the event.

This exciting announcement was made during RIAT’s Thursday update, marking a significant moment for aviation enthusiasts worldwide. The Bombardier CL-604 Challenger Multi-Mission Aircraft is a versatile plane that can perform a range of functions, including transport, surveillance, and search and rescue operations. The F-16 fighter jets, on the other hand, are known for their speed, manoeuvrability, and combat capabilities.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is one of the largest air shows in the world, attracting aviation enthusiasts, military personnel, and aircraft manufacturers from all over the globe. The event showcases the latest aviation technology and provides a platform for networking and knowledge exchange. With the Royal Danish Air Force's participation, the 2024 edition of the Royal International Air Tattoo promises to be an even more thrilling and informative experience for all attendees.

If you're interested in attending the event, you can visit airtattoo.com to learn more about it and purchase your tickets.

Danish F-16 deploying a flare

F-16 Fighting Falcon

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is an iconic multi-role combat aircraft that has been in service for almost five decades and is still being produced today. Developed by the United States Air Force (USAF) as a day fighter, the F-16 has grown to become one of the most versatile and widely used aircraft in NATO. With over 4,500 F-16s produced since its first flight in 1974, the F-16 is the most numerous combat aircraft in NATO, with 3,000 of them still in active service with 25 countries worldwide.

The latest version of the F-16, known as the Block 70/72, is loaded with advanced features and capabilities, including an updated cockpit, computers, and an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that is based on the one installed in the F-35. This multi-role aircraft is well-suited for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, as well as electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses, and more.

Denmark has played a significant role in the development and production of the F-16. They ordered 77 F-16s, which were built under license by SABCA in Belgium. The Danish Air Force fleet currently consists of 48 F-16s in active service and 14 in storage, all upgraded to the F-16AM MLU specification. This upgrade includes the Link 16 datalink, Helmet Sight, Targeting Pods, and new computers, making the F-16 a formidable multi-role aircraft capable of using the Aim-9X Sidewinder for full multi-role operations.

The Danish Air Force is now in the process of transitioning from the F-16 to the F-35A, with 19 F-16s being transferred to the Ukrainian Air Force. Denmark has already ordered 27 F-35As to replace the F-16s, which will provide advanced capabilities and greater operational flexibility.

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the F-16, the Danish Air Force will showcase the F-16AM solo display at this year's Air Tattoo. Two aircraft will be provided by Eskadrille 727 based at Skrydstrup, including the solo display F-16AM and an additional two-seat F-16BM aircraft for static display. The display promises to be a spectacular event, showcasing the incredible capabilities of this legendary aircraft.

Danish CL-604 at Leeuwarden in 2008

Bombardier CL-604 Challenger

The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is a famous business jet developed by Canadair, later Bombardier, based on the LearStar concept. The idea was designed by Bill Lear, the founder of Learjet. After its successful first flight in 1978, the aircraft entered production in 1980. Since then, it has become a popular choice for many countries as a VIP transport and has even spawned the stretched CRJ Regional Airliner and Global Express long-range corporate jet.

Various countries have developed specialized versions of the Challenger aircraft, apart from VIP transport. For instance, the Republic of Korea employs the type for maritime patrol while the Royal Danish Air Force operates a fleet of four Challenger 604s based at Aalborg Air Base, flown by Eskadrille 721. The Danish unit operates the SAAB T-17 Supporter and C-130J Hercules alongside the Challenger. The Challenger in Danish service is a militarized Multi-Mission Aircraft version, developed by Field Aviation, and is utilized for maritime patrol and search and rescue missions. The aircraft can land on short, rough, gravel airstrips that are common in the Arctic.

In 2019, a single Challenger accompanied the RAF Red Arrows on their transatlantic crossing to provide Search and Rescue support. It is a testament to the aircraft's reliability and capability in varying conditions.

As part of the 75th anniversary of NATO, the Danish Air Force will be sending one of their Challengers for static display at this year's Air Tattoo. The aircraft will be provided by Eskadrille 721 from Aalborg. The Challenger is an impressive aircraft that combines performance, comfort, and versatility, making it a popular choice for VIP transport and other specialized roles.