The Social Democratic Party has suggested a report into whether the purchase of new fighters for the Danish Air Force can be postponed, whether the number of F-16's in service can be reduced and whether those that remain flying can have their service extended by five years.

Denmark is to decided in a few months time whether to invest 20 billion kroner in new fighters, and which fighters to invest in.

Current competitors in what is being called the arms purchase of the century are the American F-35, Sweden's Gripen and the American F/A 18 Superhornet.

Choices
Defence Minister Søren Gade says he is willing to listen to the proposal.

"I am open to the possibility. We will have to see how negotiations go, but as I say I am open. But we have to choose what type of aircraft we want to buy," says Gade. All three producers have promised extensive cooperation agreements with Danish weapons producers if they are chosen.