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Denmark to get helicopters instead of F-35 fighter jets?

November 16, 2006 (by ) - According to the Copenhagen Post the Social Democrats believe that purchasing helicopters instead of costly fighter jets to replace F-16s would be a better decision both economically and militarily.

The Social Democrats have proposed that the Ministry of Defence look into the possibility of purchasing combat helicopters as replacements for the current fleet of fighter jets.

The Danish air force's 60 active F-16s are scheduled to be put to pasture starting in 2015. The cost of purchasing new jets could reach USD 86 million per plane, a price that has many in parliament wondering if there is a less expensive option.

Per Kaalund, the Social Democratic defence issues spokesperson, said that the government should look into purchasing combat helicopters instead.

'Combat helicopters have the advantage that they can support personnel in an operation and can remain at the site,' said Kaalund.

He said that British combat helicopters have proven successful in supporting Danish troops in Iraq.

Kaalund's proposal is supported by defence representatives from junior government coalition partner the Conservatives and the Danish People's Party.

The minister of defence, Søren Gade, called the proposal 'interesting', but said any discussion would have to wait until negotiations over next defence agreement begin in 2009.

Officially the government has not decided which jet it will choose to replace the F-16. However, most experts believe that they will choose the US-led F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over the two other competitors, the joint-EU Eurofighter and Sweden's Gripen.

The government's involvement in the Joint Striker Fighter project led a fourth suitor, the makers of the Mirage fighter jet, to drop its bid early on.

The government has already invested USD 69 million in the Joint Strike Fighter project. Gade is ready to spend another USD 344 million over the next 55 years to continue Denmark's affiliation with the programme.

The purchase price of any jets would be in addition to the initial investment.