Denmark plans to join the European multinational fleet of airborne refueling tankers, considering the acquisition of two Airbus A330 MRTTs at an estimated cost of 7.4 billion Danish kroner between 2025 and 2033.
Denmark has announced its intention to join the European multinational fleet of air-to-air refueling aircraft, known as the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF). This initiative includes the potential purchase of two Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft, with an estimated financial contribution of 7.4 billion Danish kroner (approximately 1 billion euros) over the period 2025-2033. This move aims to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities, particularly for operations in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Denmark is considering the acquisition of two Airbus A330 MRTTs
The Danish Chief of Defense, General Michael Hyldgaard, has recommended that Denmark become a partner in the multinational fleet of air-to-air refueling aircraft. This participation would begin with the purchase of flight hours for air-to-air refueling, followed by negotiations to acquire a share of the fleet equivalent to two refueling aircraft. The Ministry of Defense has announced that this participation is estimated at around 7.4 billion Danish kroner (around 1 billion euros) for the period 2025-2033.
The Airbus A330 MRTT is a multirole aircraft capable of transporting up to 110 tons of fuel, while being able to be configured for the transportation of passengers or cargo, with a payload capacity of 45 tons. It is equipped with a refueling boom for aircraft such as the F-16 and F-35, as well as a probe and basket system for the Eurofighter, Tornado, F-18, Gripen and Rafale.
Strengthening air defense capabilities
The Danish Minister of Defense, Troels Lund Poulsen, emphasized that this air-to-air refueling capability will strengthen Denmark’s air defense and increase the combat power of the Danish armed forces, including for national operational needs. In particular, he mentioned that the air-to-air refueling capability is essential for operations with fighter planes in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
The Danish Air Force currently operates F-16 fighter jets and is planning to introduce F-35s. The air-to-air refueling capability will enable these aircraft to extend their range and endurance, thus offering increased flexibility for defense and surveillance missions, particularly in remote regions such as the Arctic.
Participation in the Multinational European Fleet
The Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MMF) fleet is a European initiative aimed at pooling air refueling resources. It currently comprises nine MRTT aircraft, owned and managed by NATO, with the participation of the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Norway, Belgium and the Czech Republic. These countries have ordered a tenth aircraft, which is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
The fleet is operated from Eindhoven in the Netherlands, with aircraft also stationed in Cologne, Germany, both located approximately 460 kilometers southwest of the Danish border. This geographical location facilitates cooperation and the integration of Danish forces in air-to-air refueling operations on a European scale.
Strategic and financial consequences
Denmark’s decision to join the MMF comes at a time when Europe is partially dependent on American air-to-air refueling capabilities. This dependence is increasingly perceived as risky, particularly due to the gradual disengagement of the United States in Europe. For Denmark, this initiative is of particular importance, given former US President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to annex Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
In February, the Danish government agreed to allocate an additional 50 billion kroner to defense over the next two years, bringing defense spending to more than 3% of GDP in 2025 and 2026. This significant increase in the defense budget reflects Denmark’s desire to strengthen its military capabilities and contribute more to European collective defense initiatives.
Prospects for Nordic cooperation
Minister Poulsen also emphasized the potential for Nordic cooperation in the field of air-to-air refueling. This collaboration could include joint exercises, sharing of resources and the development of common doctrines, thus strengthening interoperability between the Nordic countries’ air forces. Such cooperation would optimize the use of resources and improve responsiveness to regional threats.
The integration of Denmark into the multinational European fleet of air-to-air refuelers represents a major strategic step for the country. This initiative will not only strengthen Denmark’s air defense capabilities, but will also contribute to European collective security by reducing dependence on American capabilities.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.