Denmark to strengthen Arctic defence amid US interest in Greenland
Denmark has revealed plans to enhance its military presence in the Arctic, driven by growing concerns over the US interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced on Monday that the government will allocate 14.6 billion Danish krona (about $2 billion) to strengthen the defence of Greenland, the Arctic Sea, and the Northern Atlantic. The decision follows an agreement among various Danish political parties, according to Xinhua news agency.
The new defence strategy will include the deployment of three new Arctic naval vessels, two long-range drones, increased surveillance, and crisis training for local residents. Poulsen stated that these measures are part of an initial phase, with additional plans expected to be finalised by summer.
Danish Broadcasting Corporation reported that the new vessels are expected to replace the current fleet and will be operational within five or six years.
When asked whether these actions would reduce US President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland, Poulsen avoided a direct response, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with NATO allies such as Canada, the US, and Norway.
Recently, President Trump has reiterated the US’s interest in Greenland, which is an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, speaking ahead of an upcoming meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, emphasized the gravity of the current geopolitical situation, saying, “With war on the continent and changes in the geopolitical reality, unity is crucial.”
