Danish F-35s Refuel From French MRTT in Arctic Training Over Greenland

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Danish F-35s and French Tanker Complete Joint Arctic Training Flight Over Southeast Greenland

In a demonstration of allied interoperability in extreme environments, the Royal Danish Air Force deployed two F-35 Lightning II fighters for a planned training mission with a French Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft over southeastern Greenland on December 16, 2025.

The exercise, announced by the Danish Armed Forces, centered on practicing joint operations including in-flight refueling, extended-range flying, and safety protocols suited to demanding Arctic conditions. The Danish jets operated from Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, with activity concentrated around the Kulusuk area on Greenland’s east coast. The French MRTT departed from a base in southern France and returned there after completion.

This mission marks a continuation of Denmark’s increased Arctic air training activities in recent years. Similar exercises last year involved Danish F-16 fighters and French assets along Greenland’s west coast. The shift to F-35 platforms reflects Denmark’s ongoing transition to the fifth-generation fighter, which formally replaced its F-16 fleet in late 2025.

The training builds shared experience among European NATO partners in polar operations, where harsh weather, limited infrastructure, and vast distances pose unique challenges. Aerial refueling extends fighter range, enabling sustained presence in remote regions like the Arctic, where strategic interest has grown due to climate change opening new routes and resources.

Denmark has expanded military engagements around Greenland in 2025, collaborating with allies including France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway across air, sea, and land domains. Further joint activities are planned for 2026 to reinforce Arctic air capabilities.

The French MRTT, based on the Airbus A330 and operated under the Multinational Multi Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF), provides compatible refueling support for diverse NATO aircraft, including the F-35.

This exercise underscores NATO’s focus on collective defense in high-north regions amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.