Denmark Beefs Up Military Presence in Greenland Amidst US Interest

Denmark Bolsters Military Presence in Greenland Amidst US Interest

Denmark is taking steps to strengthen its military presence in Greenland, a move that comes amidst renewed interest from the United States in the strategically important Arctic territory.

The Danish government has proposed acquiring two new Arctic inspection vessels and expanding dog sled patrols to enhance its military capabilities on the island. Additionally, plans are underway to upgrade the airport in Kangerlussuaq, a former US military base, to accommodate F-35 fighter jets.

These developments follow US President-elect Donald Trump's expressed desire to gain control over Greenland, which he views as crucial to American security. While Denmark is responsible for Greenland's defense, its military presence on the vast island has been limited.

The Danish government has allocated $400 million to bolster surveillance and intelligence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, including the deployment of long-range drones. Lawmakers are currently discussing how to allocate additional funds for the military, with a focus on addressing Greenland's defense needs.

The increased military presence in Greenland is seen as a necessary step to address security concerns in the region. The US military maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, which is vital for its ballistic missile early-warning system.

While the US embassy in Copenhagen has stated that there are no plans to increase the US military presence in Greenland, the strategic importance of the island is likely to remain a key factor in the relationship between the two countries.