Denmark RDAF F 35A L 010 credit Andre Inacio 640First RDAF Lightning IIs on delivery

On 12 September 2023, the first four Flyvevåbnet (RDAF, Royal Danish Air Force) F-35A Lightning IIs on delivery to Skrydstrup air base made a stop at Lajes Field on the Azores (Portugal).

The aircraft, serials L-007 (FMS 20-5647), L-008 (FMS 20-5648), L-009 (FMS 20-5649) and L-010 (FMS 20-5650), were accompanied by USAF KC-10A 86-0032 of the 60th AMW at Travis AFB (CA).

The aircraft continued their journey today, 14 September, and arrived at Skrydstrup air base around 14:00 hrs LT.

Eskadrille (Esk) 727 is the new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II squadron. The unit has been chosen because it is the RDAF's oldest existing fighter squadron, and was twice responsible for introducing new types of aircraft.

Denmark RDAF Esk 727 credit RDAF 320The unit's symbol is the well-known Mjølnir (hammer of the thunder god Thor) and motto Volat Percutit Revertitur (he strikes and flies, he returns).

Squadron markings have not yet been applied to all the F-35As, but hopefully they will be soon. L-007 and L-008 are wearing the Esk 727 badge on the port side of the vertical stabilizer.

Credit photo: Andre Inacio (via Military Aviation Review)

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