Danish F-35s and French MRTT tanker train in Southeast Greenland
Today, two Danish F-35 fighter jets and a French MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) tanker aircraft carried out a planned training mission in southeastern Greenland.
January 16, 2026 - 20:15
Photo: Rune Dyrholm / Danish Armed Forces
By Danish Armed Forces
The mission aimed to practice joint operations involving aerial refueling, long-distance flights, and safety under the harsh Arctic conditions.
The aircraft route went from Fighter Wing Skrydstrup directly to the area around Kulusuk on Greenland’s east coast. The French tanker aircraft departed from its base in southern France, to which it returned after completing the training in Greenland. During the training in the North Atlantic, the aircraft also passed the Faroe Islands.
Last year, Denmark and France conducted similar training activities on several occasions, but with Danish F-16 fighter jets and along Greenland’s west coast. This activity was part of the general strengthening of air operations in Arctic regions and contributed to building shared experience in operating under cold, challenging conditions.
The increased military activity follows the Danish Armed Forces’ strengthened presence and training activity in and around Greenland in 2025 together with allies, including France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.
This effort will continue in 2026 with a range of air-, sea-, and land-based activities to improve the ability to operate in extreme Arctic environments. Flights involving F-35 fighter jets and tanker aircraft will therefore continue in the period ahead.