Denmark govt using taxpayer money to keep up with expensive requirements of F35 jets

Denmark's collection of 27 F-35s, despite being relatively new, has quickly become country's most prized possession. However, expenses and associated costs have been increasing. Despite this, government is obligated to continue signing checks and committing to project, reported Sputnik News.

parliament of Denmark has h to fund new hangars for country's newly acquired F-35 fighter jets, but construction price for se facilities has been increasing steily. Skrydstrup air base's 40,000 square metre premises' recent costs have doubled compared to original 2017 plans, leing to a total bill of DKK 1.35 billion ($200 million) for F-35 hangars. 

Defense Ministry's Property ncy has attributed rising costs to "extraordinary" price increases for building materials, while analysts also ted strict and extensive security requirements that must be met before US allows planes to land in Denmark. However, Red-Green Alliance and or opposition parties have criticised costly project.

"You can't just come all time, push bill and ask for more money. y have to find money within project's own finances," its financial spokesman Pelle Dragsted told Danish media. He also accused government of "carelessness with taxpayers' money."

On or hand, some, such as Danish People's Party, have justified increased costs as necessary for ensuring country's defence capabilities in future. Moderates, who are part of a cross-party coalition with Social Democrats and Liberals, also defended project as essential. However, political commentators ted that authorities are w in a difficult situation, having committed to purchase of planes, y must also continue with associated costs of project regardless of how expensive it becomes.

Denmark's most significant military purchase

F-35, which is expected to become primary aircraft in Denmark's military, faced a ise controversy in past due to its heavier and bulkier design. fighter jets' ise levels were found to be higher than both military's initial reports and ir predecessor, F-16s. Or F-35 operators, including rway, have also faced similar problems with ise.

Danish Armed Forces have a longstanding partnership with Lockheed Martin, dating back to 1950s when y first began using company's fighter jets and transport aircraft. In 2002, Denmark joined F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program during system development and demonstration phase, and in June 2016, it confirmed plans to purchase 27 F-35As. total lifetime costs associated with new fleet of F-35s are estimated to be DKK 57 billion ($8.2 billion), making it Denmark's most significant military procurement project in history. All 27 fighter jets are expected to arrive in Denmark by 2026.