Denmark Plans to Enhance Military Presence in Greenland
Local Danish media have reported that the government is proposing to purchase two new Arctic inspection vessels and increase dog sled patrols to bolster its military presence in Greenland. This comes at a time when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in the island.
Denmark’s public broadcaster DR and TV2 announced on Friday that the government also plans to upgrade the airport in Kangerlussuaq, a former U.S. military base in western Greenland, to accommodate F-35 fighter jets. Denmark has already allocated $400 million for the deployment of long-range drones in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
This week, Trump reiterated his ambition to control Greenland, a semi-autonomous Arctic territory under Danish sovereignty, which he views as crucial for U.S. security. Last month, Trump made statements about Greenland during the announcement of his nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, stating, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
Despite Denmark being responsible for Greenland’s security and defense, it has limited military capabilities on the vast island. Currently, these capabilities consist of four aging inspection vessels, a Challenger surveillance plane, and 12 dog sled patrols.
This strategic move by Denmark not only responds to Trump’s interest but also aims to assert its sovereignty and enhance security in the Arctic region. The developments reflect the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the importance of Greenland in global military and environmental strategies.
