In late 2022, Denmark announced plans for a “larger and more permanent” NATO presence on Greenland. The other part of this strategic move is to improve Arctic region security. The decision is being made against the backdrop of importance, the return of geopolitical tensions and ensuring Greenland’s sovereignty. Greenland is proud of its 57,000 inhabitants. Geography has made it an attractive host nation for many of its NATO allies – including the United States, France and Germany, among others.
Roughly 200 U.S. troops are still based in Greenland today. They operate in tandem with the 150 other Danish military and civilian staff working in the Joint Arctic Command. These forces underscore just how important international cooperation is in protecting the Arctic. As threats from other global powers increase, cooperation amongst each other has never been more critical.
Increased Military Engagement
Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen highlighted the importance of planning for a larger force as part of a long-term commitment extending through 2026. He stated, “It is clear that we now will be able to plan for a larger and more permanent presence throughout 2026 and that is crucial to show that security in the Arctic is not only for the Kingdom of Denmark, it is for all of NATO.”
Alongside Danish forces, France is looking to deploy some 15 mountain specialists to Greenland. These troops will be backed up by land, air and naval assets booked to arrive in the days ahead. She is coming in line with other NATO allies that have made pledges to send military personnel, as well. Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands are preparing to deploy military trainers. They are preparing to take part in bigger tri-service military exercises planned for later this year.
Sweden is sending a regional officer to Greenland, while Norway and the Netherlands are sending two and one officer respectively. A Danish Air Force plane approaches Nuuk airport. Rows of military personnel in fatigues disembarked as part of a well-planned military effort at the city’s airport.
Commitment to Sovereignty
To assuage outside speculation about foreign purchase, Denmark and Greenland have both clearly stated that the territory will not be sold. The federal officials, Sullivan and Corker, have called such threats of military force against Greenland as irresponsible and unjustified. Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen asserted his commitment to the territory’s autonomy, saying, “We choose the Greenland we know today, as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Marc Jacobsen, part of Greenland’s defense strategy team, explained two main objectives driving the military buildup. He explained, “One is to deter, is to show that ‘if you decide to do something militarily, we’re ready to defend Greenland.’ And the other purpose is to say, ‘Well, we take your critique seriously, we increase our presence, take care of our sovereignty, and improve surveillance over Greenland.’”
This commitment from Denmark and its NATO allies reflects a broader strategy to enhance security in the Arctic region amidst various global threats.
Broader Implications for NATO
The unified and historic response from NATO allies is a signal that they recognize that dynamics of global security have changed. With all of these countries involved, it presents a common front against any Arctic aggressor that may arise. Experts caution that these kinds of military buildups only aggravate the situation, raising the risks of conflict rather than reducing them.
Karoline Leavitt commented on the situation, stating, “I don’t think troops in Europe impact the president’s decision-making process, nor does it impact his goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all.” This illustrates the geopolitical intricacies at play in political and military discussions about the future of Greenland.
