Denmark's F‑35 Programme Faces $2.2 Billion Cost Overrun

Denmark’s purchase of 27 Lockheed Martin F‑35A fighters is now projected to cost about 71.2 billion Danish kroner (roughly $2.2 billion) more than the original estimate, according to a report from the Danish Court of Auditors. The audit criticised the defence ministry for failing to inform parliament of the rising expenses and for not fully accounting for long‑term costs such as maintenance, training and logistics. The higher estimate reduces funds available for other defence projects.

In Portugal, Lockheed Martin is promoting the F‑35 as a “global product” with more than a quarter of each aircraft’s value coming from European‑manufactured components. The company’s International Business Development Director, Rob Weitzman, said the programme’s software updates are shared across all users, likening it to an iPhone. Portugal’s defence minister has not yet decided on a replacement for the Air Force’s F‑16 fleet, but a recent memorandum of understanding with Portuguese aerospace firm ETI aims to involve local industry in F‑35 related projects should the government move forward with a purchase.