Denmark has announced an immediate increase in its military presence in Greenland, citing growing security tensions in the Arctic.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Denmark and Greenland had agreed to expand military deployments and exercises in close cooperation with NATO allies.
“The security policy tensions have spread to the Arctic,” Poulsen said at a news conference in Copenhagen. “This means that we need an increased presence in and around Greenland.”
He added that Denmark would now maintain a larger military footprint in the region, stressing that NATO must take a stronger role in Arctic security.
The announcement came ahead of a White House meeting between Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers and U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday (14 January).
The Danish defence ministry said the expanded presence will include more aircraft, vessels and soldiers, along with joint military exercises. These could involve protecting critical infrastructure, supporting local authorities, hosting allied troops and conducting naval and air operations.
Sweden, Norway and Germany have also announced deployments to Greenland. Sweden confirmed it had sent officers to take part in Denmark’s Operation Arctic Endurance exercise. Norway said it was sending two military staff to assess future NATO cooperation in the region.
Germany will deploy a 13-member Bundeswehr reconnaissance team to explore possible contributions to Denmark’s security efforts in the Arctic.
Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said strengthening defence in and around Greenland was a core priority and must be done in close cooperation with NATO allies.
Poulsen underlined that the increased presence is part of NATO cooperation and rejected speculation about conflict between alliance members.
“It is unlikely that a NATO country would attack another NATO country,” he said.
Denmark said further decisions on long-term Arctic deployments will be discussed with allies in the coming weeks.
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