Security tensions have extended to the Arctic, prompting Denmark to reinforce its military presence in Greenland and to continue joint exercises with NATO allies. The decision was adopted in a coordinated manner between the Government of Greenland and the Danish Ministry of Defence, with the aim of strengthening operational capability under the specific conditions of the Arctic region.
According to authorities, the measure will increase the presence of Danish aircraft, vessels, and military personnel in Greenland and its surrounding areas, in close cooperation with allied forces. The deployment is part of a strategy focused on training for operations in extreme environments and reinforcing the alliance’s security posture in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.
Military exercises planned for 2026
Exercise activities planned for 2026 could include the protection of critical infrastructure, support to Greenlandic authorities, including the police, reception of allied troops, deployment of combat aircraft, and the execution of naval tasks in Arctic waters. The Arctic Command will be responsible for continuously informing the population of Greenland about the development of these activities, maintaining ongoing dialogue with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
During the summer of 2025, the Danish Armed Forces had already increased their presence in Greenland through the deployment of land, sea, and air capabilities. These initiatives involved allies such as Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway, and included exercises related to the protection of critical infrastructure.
Authorities from Denmark and Greenland noted that bilateral cooperation is maintained on a constant basis to ensure local participation and awareness of the territory’s specific conditions.
Official statements
The Naalakkersuisoq for Foreign Affairs and Research, Vivian Motzfeldt, stated: “As part of the NATO alliance, it is a fundamental priority for the Naalakkersuisut to strengthen defence and security in and around Greenland, and this is done in close cooperation with our NATO allies.”
For his part, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said: “Security in the Arctic is crucial for the Kingdom and our Arctic allies, so it is essential that, in close collaboration with them, we further strengthen our ability to operate in the region.”
International context and the U.S. position
The reinforcement of Denmark’s military presence comes amid growing strategic interest in Greenland. In this context, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland, Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Vivian Motzfeldt, recently met in Washington with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Following the meeting, both sides confirmed that they “continue to maintain a fundamental disagreement” regarding the future of the island, although they agreed to establish a U.S.-Denmark working group to address various issues related to Greenland. Nevertheless, Rasmussen noted: “We did not manage to change the American position. It is clear that Trump has the desire to conquer Greenland. But we made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the Kingdom.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated on several occasions that he considers Greenland to be of strategic importance to his country’s security.
Reaction from Russia
Russia reacted to the European military deployment in Greenland with a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which described NATO’s posture as “hysteria” based on “the fictitious pretext of a growing threat from Moscow and Beijing.”
The ministry’s spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, stated: “The situation in the high latitudes is of the greatest concern to us,” and reiterated that Russia maintains that the Arctic should remain a space of “peace, dialogue, and equal cooperation.”
Although the deployment of personnel by countries such as Germany, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the Netherlands was limited in nature, the gesture was sufficient to prompt a diplomatic response from Moscow.
*Images for illustrative purposes.
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