Denmark sends more troops to Greenland amid Arctic tensions

Denmark is increasing its military presence in Greenland with several hundred troops deployed to support exercises, reconnaissance and longer-term deterrence.

Key facts

• About 100 Danish soldiers are in Nuuk and a similar number in Kangerlussuaq; more troops are en route.
• Copenhagen has asked NATO for a mission; Denmark plans a one- to two-year deployment with allied rotations.
• Denmark previously committed 27.4 billion krone for Arctic defence assets — ships, patrol aircraft, drones and radars.

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Denmark has moved to significantly strengthen its military footprint in Greenland, dispatching combat units to two main hubs and seeking NATO support for a long-term presence. Danish commanders report roughly 100 troops in Nuuk and a similar contingent in Kangerlussuaq, with a "substantial contribution" scheduled to arrive to support the Arctic Endurance exercise. Officials say the deployment is driven by Arctic security concerns — particularly threats from Russia — though it also follows unusually public pressure from former US President Donald Trump, who has campaigned to annex the island. Copenhagen requested a NATO mission at a meeting with alliance chief Mark Rutte; Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen signalled the move is designed to strengthen multilateral defence in the Arctic while acknowledging Europe still relies on the US security umbrella.

Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen framed the operation as lasting a year or possibly two and involving allied rotations. Recent reconnaissance by European officers has already mapped training and infrastructure tasks, with plans to return in March with different capabilities. The deployment could include guarding critical infrastructure, hosting allied forces, conducting naval operations and flying fighter patrols. Denmark has previously committed 27.4 billion krone for Greenland defence assets — ships, patrol aircraft, drones and surveillance radars — a material backing to the personnel surge. While Trump’s rhetoric has provoked diplomatic friction, Danish officials and Western analysts note there is no evidence of widespread Chinese or Russian naval presence off Greenland. The move nonetheless represents a clear shift toward sustained, multilateral deterrence in the Arctic and a recalibration of European and NATO posture around Greenland.

Source: Politico Europe