Denmark beefs up Greenland’s defenses against Russia after Trump’s comments
Denmark prepares for the threat from Russia following Trump’s remarks about Greenland (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Following Donald Trump’s statements about plans to annex Greenland, Denmark has begun strengthening the island’s defenses, which are now seen as a vulnerable target amid increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic, according to Bloomberg.
Copenhagen is seriously concerned that the world’s largest island lacks sufficient protection against a potential invasion. After Trump’s high-profile remarks about annexing Greenland, Danish authorities began actively working to bolster defenses, though Russia is now considered the main threat.
Danish intelligence services have revised their risk assessment over the past year, warning of a high likelihood of escalation between NATO and Moscow in the Arctic region.
In October, the government approved a second Arctic military package, which includes investments in new patrol aircraft, icebreakers, and naval vessels, as well as strengthening defenses around Greenland.
Training and military reforms
In September, Greenland hosted its largest military exercises in recent years. Whereas previous drills focused on rescue operations, the latest scenarios were centered on repelling military threats.
Major General Søren Andersen, head of the Joint Arctic Command, called Russia a regional superpower in the Arctic and noted that Moscow is actively expanding its presence by developing bases and new technologies.
According to intelligence assessments, after the war in Ukraine concludes, Russia may redirect military resources northward, creating a direct threat to NATO countries.
Russia strengthens its fleet and bases in the Arctic
In July, Vladimir Putin announced that the Russian fleet had been reinforced with nine submarines, including four new-generation nuclear Borei-A class submarines.
Russia also possesses the largest icebreaker fleet and can rapidly deploy combat units trained for operations in Arctic conditions.
Along Russia’s northern coast, Soviet-era bases have been refurbished with modern radar systems, runways, and air defense systems, increasing pressure on NATO allies.
Greenland – a strategic point for NATO
Although Greenland remains sparsely populated, its significance for the US and NATO is critically important. The shortest route for strategic bombers and missiles passes over the North Pole, and the island itself serves as a convenient platform for monitoring the Arctic and the North Atlantic.
However, Denmark’s military infrastructure in the region is outdated. The main bases are located on the western coast, facing Canada, while the threat comes from the eastern side - from Russia.
Denmark is increasing its military investments in the Arctic, directing billions of dollars toward modernizing weapons and strengthening defenses, reflecting the growing global competition for influence in the region and readiness for potential geopolitical crises.
US President Donald Trump may return to the idea of annexing Greenland to the US, despite the fact that the topic had previously disappeared from the White House agenda for a time.
