Cracks are appearing in the rollout of the F-35 program, with Denmark pulling its training jets back from the US soil due to delays in a critical software upgrade.

This move by Denmark, announced on Wednesday (June 26), exposes simmering anxieties among European allies who have invested heavily in the next-generation fighter jet.

The six Danish F-35s, currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for pilot training, will be repatriated to Skrydstrup Air Base back home.

The reason? The holdup of the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade, a crucial software and hardware package that offers significant performance improvements for the F-35.

TR-3 Delays: A Wrench in the Works

The TR-3 upgrade promises enhanced computing power and improved cockpit displays. It also paves the way for the even more advanced Block 4 upgrade, which will have next-level weapon and electronic warfare capabilities.

Initially scheduled for summer 2023, the TR-3 rollout has become a source of frustration.

A recent report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed ongoing technical issues with the software’s stability.

Test pilots have encountered situations requiring mid-flight reboots of entire radar and electronic warfare systems – a worrying sign for a program touted for its cutting-edge technology.