Denmark invites US to participate in military exercises in Greenland
Illustrative photo: Denmark will hold military exercises in Greenland (Getty Images)
The head of Denmark’s Arctic Command has invited the US to participate in military exercises in Greenland. The US decision is currently pending, according to the DR.
The Arctic Command oversees the activities of the Armed Forces in and around Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
On Friday, January 16, Major General Søren Andersen officially invited the United States to participate in the planned military exercises on the island.
According to him, the exercises are scheduled to take place later this year, and confirmation from the US is currently awaited.
Several NATO countries have already sent their military personnel to Greenland to take part in the Danish exercises, Operation Arctic Endurance.
The US already has around 150 troops at the Pituffik base (formerly Thule Air Base), under the 1951 defense agreement that guarantees Americans free access to Greenland’s territory.
The Major General also noted that no Russian or Chinese ships are currently observed near Greenland, and he considers the likelihood of one NATO country attacking another to be low.
Tensions around Greenland
Europe has expressed concern over recent statements by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland and its strategic importance to the United States. EU officials are considering several options to protect the world’s largest island from potential moves by Washington.
Amid these statements, NATO allies have already sent around 35 troops to the island to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Donald Trump once again emphasized the need for the US to take control of Greenland to deploy the Golden Dome missile defense system, warning that without swift action, the island could be at risk of being seized by Russia or China.
In addition, the US president has not ruled out imposing tariffs on countries that oppose his plans for Greenland.
The US plans to hold regular talks with Denmark and Greenland. According to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, the parties have agreed to establish a dedicated working group to handle the technical aspects of potential agreements and to continue consultations according to a clear schedule of meetings.
