Denmark deploys troops and equipment to Greenland after US claims

Deployment of advanced troops

According to DR, a so-called forward command was initially sent to Greenland. Its task is to prepare logistics and on-site conditions for the possible reception of main forces in the future.

The forward units include, among others, soldiers from army units who are to strengthen the military presence of the Danish Armed Forces on the island.

At the same time, a significant part of Danish combat units is currently engaged in fulfilling military commitments in the Baltic countries.

As the outlet notes, on Monday evening a Danish Air Force Challenger aircraft landed at Nuuk Airport, located in the capital of Greenland. The passengers were picked up by a white rented vehicle with tinted windows.

However, journalists were unable to confirm whether this flight was directly related to the strengthening of Greenland’s defense.

Arctic challenge

Following a confidential briefing of the Danish parliament's Foreign Policy Committee, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen made a brief statement to the press regarding the situation.

"Right now, we are moving forward with the entire issue of a more permanent presence in Greenland by the Danish armed forces, as well as with the involvement of other countries. Just as we saw in 2025, when other NATO countries participated in exercises and training in Greenland, we will see this again in 2026," the minister said.

He also described the strengthening of the military presence as "a clear response to the challenge facing the Arctic."

At the same time, Poulsen did not answer journalists' questions about whether the process of strengthening defenses is already underway.

According to the outlet, Denmark's Defense Command said the country's activity in the Arctic has increased over the past year.

In particular, the Danish Armed Forces regularly conduct training to deploy capabilities in Arctic conditions, carry out ongoing tasks, and prepare for future operations in line with existing defense agreements.

What preceded this

Recently, US President Donald Trump criticized Greenland's defense, saying it was limited to "two dog sleds."

According to him, if the island does not become part of the United States, Russia or China could establish control over it.

Meanwhile, US House of Representatives Republican Randy Fine introduced a bill in Congress to annex Greenland.

The document is intended to authorize the US president to "take such steps as may be necessary" to acquire Greenland.

For more details on why Trump's plans for the island pose a threat to the world, read the RBC-Ukraine report.