A Seahawk helicopter is seen in the air at Karup Air Base in June 2022. According to DR, savings mean that the Helicopter Wing in Karup has to cancel a military exercise, just as the Air Transport Wing in Aalborg also has to cancel exercises and simulator training. Photo: Henning Bagger/Ritzau Scanpix
Air Force cuts exercises due to budget shortfall
The Danish Air Force is cancelling at least six exercises and continuing education courses due to an extra DKK 41.5 million in savings required after an initial DKK 375 million shortfall. This impacts Air Transport Wing in Aalborg, Helicopter Wing in Karup, and Fighter Wing in Skrydstrup, affecting operations, development, and recruitment. Morale and retention concerns have increased among employees, as expressed by union representative Karina Brandstrup. Earlier, younger pilots highlighted a worrying lack of essential flight training. The Air Force Chief, Jan Dam, understands staff dissatisfaction, while Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen has not commented.