Denmark Boosts Military Presence in Greenland

Denmark has announced an immediate increase in its military presence in Greenland and the surrounding areas, citing growing security concerns across the Arctic region.

In a joint statement, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Greenland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Research confirmed that the move is linked to large-scale military exercises involving aircraft, naval vessels and ground forces. The drills will be conducted in close coordination with NATO allies.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, particularly following statements from the United States suggesting it could seek control over Greenland and not ruling out the use of force to achieve that objective.

According to the statement, the primary aim of the military activities is to train for rapid deployment under the unique conditions of the Arctic environment, while also strengthening NATO’s presence in the region.

The exercises may include support for Greenlandic authorities, such as cooperation with police forces, monitoring critical infrastructure, deploying fighter jets in and around Greenland, carrying out maritime operations and hosting allied forces.

Greenland, which enjoys a high degree of self-rule, remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Danish and Greenlandic officials emphasised that the decision reflects the reality that security tensions have now extended into the Arctic, underscoring the region’s growing strategic importance.