Denmark did not invite the U.S. military to take part in Arctic Light 2025, the largest military exercise in Greenland's modern history, as NATO allies step up defence cooperation in the Arctic amid U.S. interest in the island.
Denmark's Arctic commander, Soren Andersen, confirmed that, while U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had been invited, no U.S. military units were asked to participate.
"We work together with colleagues on the U.S. Pituffik Space Base, but they were not invited with units for this exercise," Andersen told Reuters.
The U.S. has previously participated in Denmark-led military exercises in Greenland. A spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen said that "while we are not participating in this particular exercise, we continue our robust military cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark and other Arctic allies".
Independent military analyst Hans Peter Michaelsen told Reuters the exercise has "a strong political signalling" to demonstrate Denmark's stewardship of Greenland with NATO allies.
"The exercise is basically designed to show the Americans that Denmark looks after Greenland and does so with the help of other major NATO countries," Michaelsen said.
Andersen dismissed suggestions that the drill was intended to send a message to Washington.
Denmark has ramped up defence investment and military activity in Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory, since U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about acquiring the strategically located territory and criticism over Denmark's efforts to defend it.
Ties between Copenhagen and Washington have worsened this year due to Trump's refusal to rule out taking Greenland by force. Denmark last month summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen over reports alleging covert influence operations by U.S. citizens in Greenland.
Arctic Light 2025, running from 9 - 19 September, involves more than 550 soldiers, including special forces, from Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden and Norway.
Denmark is deploying a frigate, helicopters, and F-16 fighter jets, while France has contributed a naval vessel, an air refuelling tanker aircraft and a drone unit.
The exercise prepares for potential scenarios involving increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic, Andersen said.
The U.S. embassy spokesperson said that NATO allies' efforts to ensure preparedness to defend in the Arctic were welcome.
The U.S., which maintained 17 bases in Greenland during the Cold War, currently has a permanent presence only at the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for decades of deaths and damage, adding a new demand to peace talks as Tehran see...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 11th of August, covering the latest developments....
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is preparing to deploy additional North Korean forces on its territory and has received...
Flights arriving at Catania airport in eastern Sicily were suspended after volcanic ash from a new eruption of Mount Etna drifted into the airspace around the airport, disrupting operations at one of Italy’s busiest aviation hubs.
One hundred years after the First World War and more than eighty years after the devastation of the Second World War gave rise to the United Nations, humanity once again finds itself living in an age of permanent crisis.
For months, efforts to secure the Red Sea have focused on what is happening in the water. Naval deployments have increased, governments have expanded maritime cooperation and shipping companies have adapted to persistent security threats.
Greenland has issued a “strong warning” to a U.S. oil company linked to President Donald Trump after drilling equipment was brought ashore without the required government approvals, according to British media.
A deal on a new route for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is "very close," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said, while warning that the reopening of the waterway depends on the U.S. meeting other conditions, including paying compensation to Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for decades of deaths and damage, adding a new demand to peace talks as Tehran seeks compensation and sanctions relief before reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 11th of August, covering the latest developments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is preparing to deploy additional North Korean forces on its territory and has received more ballistic missiles from Pyongyang, arguing that their growing military cooperation poses a threat beyond Ukraine.
Firefighters were continuing to battle a massive blaze at the Zawiya refinery on Tuesday as Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) said it could declare force majeure and completely halt operations if drone attacks on oil assets in the city continued.
At least 132 people have died and 570 have been injured after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment