DENMARK TO BOOST MILITARY PRESENCE IN GREENLAND, CITING GROWING NATO ROLE IN ARCTIC SECURITY

LONDON, Jan 18 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Denmark will strengthen its military presence in Greenland and expand joint exercises with NATO allies as part of broader efforts to increase alliance responsibility for security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, according to the Danish Defence Ministry, Anadolu Ajansi  reported.

In written comments sent to Anadolu, a spokesperson for the Danish Defence Ministry said there is a shared understanding among Denmark and its allies that NATO “must assume greater responsibility” for security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.

“We will therefore strengthen our military presence in Greenland and work closely with NATO allies to ensure a more permanent presence and more joint exercises in the Arctic,” the spokesperson said.

The ministry’s comments came as several European countries announced they were sending military officers to Greenland. Germany, Sweden, Norway, France and the United Kingdom said earlier this week that the deployments were made at Denmark’s request to join a reconnaissance group ahead of the planned Arctic Endurance exercise.

For the ministry, this is a natural continuation of the increased presence and exercise activity initiated in 2025.

“The purpose of deploying soldiers and capabilities to Greenland is to continue our existing efforts to train the NATO alliance’s ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions,” the spokesperson said.

Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has attracted United States interest due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources, as well as concerns about rising Russian and Chinese activity.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the United States must acquire Greenland for national security reasons and to prevent Russia or China from gaining control of the territory.

Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.

On Saturday, Trump said Washington will impose 10 per cent tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland from Feb 1, rising to 25 per cent in June unless there is a deal for “the complete and total purchase of Greenland”.

In response, European leaders have rejected Trump’s tariff threats against the eight European nations over Greenland and reiterated solidarity with Denmark.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU