Denmark has declared its intention to invest 14.6 billion Danish Kroner (€1.9 billion) to enhance its military presence in the Arctic, in light of renewed interest from US President Donald Trump in exercising control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
This announcement followed Mr. Trump’s statement about his desire to “acquire Greenland”, emphasizing that the autonomous territory is vital for his nation’s “international security”.
After more than a decade marked by significant reductions in defense spending, Denmark allocated 190 billion Danish crowns (€24.7 billion) for its military over a decade, with a portion of those funds now designated for Arctic initiatives.
Although Denmark holds responsibility for the security and defense of Greenland, its military capabilities on the island are limited, with the region often considered a security blind spot.
The plan includes financing for three new Arctic naval vessels and increasing the number of planned long-range surveillance drones from two to four, alongside investments in satellite surveillance, as stated by Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen during a press conference.
He remarked: “We must acknowledge that there are significant challenges regarding security and defense in the Arctic and North Atlantic.”
This announcement came just before Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s upcoming trip to Berlin, Paris, and Brussels this week, aimed at strengthening “European unity” regarding Greenland.
“Europe is encountering a serious situation, with conflict on the continent and shifts in geopolitical realities. During such times, unity is essential,” Ms. Frederiksen stated.
She mentioned her plans to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as Mark Rutte, NATO’s Secretary General.
Ms. Frederiksen emphasized: “Denmark is a small nation with powerful allies, part of a robust European community that can collectively tackle the challenges we face.”
The political parties have agreed to allocate additional funds for the Arctic in a deal expected to be presented in the first half of the year.
The US military maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, a strategically important site for its ballistic missile early-warning system, given that the shortest route from Europe to North America passes through the island.
Read more: Danish MEP curses at Trump, claims Greenland is not for sale; Denmark, US, and Greenland to discuss Arctic security
