UK plans major troop deployment amid rising tensions - The Independent reports
Photo: Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is considering the possibility of deploying British forces to Greenland amid an escalation in rhetoric by Donald Trump, who has stated his intention to control the territory, according to The Independent.
Possible troop deployment
The plan involves deploying British soldiers, ships, and aircraft as part of a potential NATO mission in the region.
Another source said that military leadership is developing contingency plans in case security in the High North needs to be strengthened. At the same time, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized that talks on Arctic security are part of NATO’s routine work and do not reflect a real threat from the US.
Trump’s rhetoric and allies’ reaction
Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to control Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force.
Lord Peter Mandelson said that there would be no military action against an ally and that all discussions are focused on strengthening a joint response to Russia and China.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch expressed concern about the stability of the alliance, arguing that Greenland is a secondary issue compared to NATO’s overall security.
Exercises and military capabilities
The UK is actively participating in large-scale Arctic exercises such as Viking and Cold Response together with its allies, demonstrating NATO unity.
At the same time, former commanders have warned about the overstretching of the armed forces, the limited number of howitzers, attack submarines, and trained F-35 pilots, which could reduce the effectiveness of deterrence in the region.
The British authorities continue to coordinate with NATO allies to strengthen Arctic security while assessing the real capabilities of their armed forces and taking into account the strategic influence of the United States, Russia, and China in the region.
France, together with its allies, is developing a plan of action in case the US attempts to carry out a threat to seize Greenland.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is developing that could eventually be proposed to the island’s leadership, considering the possibility of a Free Association Agreement aimed at improving the living standards of the local population.
