Denmark has announced a significant increase in defence spending for Greenland, coinciding with former US President Donald Trump’s recent reiteration of his desire for the United States to acquire the Arctic territory.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that the new package amounts to a “double-digit billion” sum in Danish krone—estimated at $1.5 billion (£1.2 billion). The package includes:
– Two new inspection ships.
– Two long-range drones.
– Two additional dog sled teams for Arctic operations.
– Increased staffing for the Arctic Command in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk.
– Upgrades to one of Greenland’s three main civilian airports to accommodate F-35 supersonic fighter jets.
Poulsen acknowledged the timing of the announcement as an “irony of fate,” as it followed Trump’s comments describing US ownership of Greenland as an “absolute necessity.”
Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, holds immense strategic significance. It is located on the shortest route between North America and Europe, houses a major US space facility, and is rich in valuable mineral resources.
While the defence package represents a long-overdue investment in Greenland, Poulsen admitted that Denmark’s military presence in the Arctic had been insufficient for years.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, firmly dismissed Trump’s remarks, stating, “We are not for sale.” However, Egede emphasized the importance of maintaining cooperation and trade relationships, particularly with neighboring countries.
Experts suggest that Denmark’s plan to expand its military presence in Greenland has been under discussion for years and should not be viewed as a direct response to Trump’s comments.
Army Maj. Steen Kjaergaard of the Danish Defence Academy speculated that Trump’s remarks might have been a strategic move to pressure Denmark into strengthening its Arctic military capabilities.
“It’s possible Trump intended to push Denmark into prioritizing Arctic defence without directly taking on Greenland’s welfare system, which is heavily subsidized by Copenhagen,” Kjaergaard noted.
Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland is not unprecedented. In 2019, his initial suggestion of purchasing the island was met with sharp rebukes from both Greenlandic and Danish leaders. At the time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labeled the idea as “absurd,” prompting Trump to cancel a state visit to Denmark.
The concept of the US acquiring Greenland dates back to the 1860s under President Andrew Johnson. Despite its historical roots, the notion has consistently faced resistance from Greenlandic and Danish authorities.
Analysts warn that Denmark’s military investments in Greenland may also reflect a response to increased geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. The region has become a focal point for rivalries involving China and Russia.
For now, Denmark’s announcement signals a commitment to maintaining control of its Arctic territory and addressing emerging security challenges while rebuffing renewed US aspirations for ownership.
