In 1966, Denmark began searching for replacements for its aging F-100Ds and TF-100Fs. Due to budget constraints, the country needed an aircraft that could serve as both a fighter-bomber and a reconnaissance aircraft, replacing the RF-84F Thunderflash. After evaluating the American A-4 and F-5, the French Dassault Mirage III, and the Swedish Saab J35 Draken, the Danish Air Force determined that the latter was the best. On March 29, 1968, Denmark signed a contract to purchase three variants of the aircraft: the F-35 fighter, the RF-35 reconnaissance aircraft, and the TF-35 trainer. A total of 51 aircraft were purchased in these three variants. All were devoid of radar.

The first aircraft arrived in combat units in 1970, and the last arrived in 1977. In the 1980s, the F-35 was modernized with the addition of a fire control system for ground target strikes, RWR, a new HUD and ballistic computer, and a laser rangefinder. The Draken remained in service with the Danish Air Force until 1993, when it was replaced by the F-16.

The Saab F-35 was introduced in Update 2.47 “Leviathans”. Among all the Draken variants, the F-35 is the most suitable for ground attack: it has a wide range of bombs and rockets, along with a computer and advanced avionics. It also retains good flight characteristics and has two AIM-9N missiles for self-defense. However, the aircraft has lost its radar and still easily loses energy.