In “fundamental disagreement” with the United States, Denmark obtained on Thursday the sending of a European military mission to Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory coveted by Donald Trump, who announced that this deployment had “no impact” on its ”objective”.
Traditional ally of the Americans within the NATO, Denmark announced that it was strengthening its military presence in Greenland in response to American criticism of its lack of commitment to the Arctic island, but also in reaction to the reiterated desire of the American president to seize it.
Two Danish troop transport planes landed in the territory on Wednesday.
In the process, France, Sweden, Germany adn Norway, joined by the Netherlands, Finland and the United Kingdom, announced the sending of military personnel for a reconnaissance mission which is part of the Danish exercise ”Arctic Endurance” organized with allies of the NATO.
These modest-sized European military reinforcements – 13 for Germany, for example, and one soldier for the Netherlands and the United Kingdom – must prepare the participation of these armies in future exercises in the Arctic, explain defense sources from several countries.
“I don’t think deploying troops to Europe has any impact on the president’s decision making and it has no impact on his goal of acquiring Greenland” White House spokesperson karoline Leavitt said Thursday during a press conference.
“Temporal coincidence”
Table of Contents
The meeting on Wednesday between the Danish Minister of foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, that of Greenland, Vivian Motzfeldt, and American leaders at the White House was a “good meeting”. “but the president has been clear about his priority – he wants the United States to acquire Greenland. He believes doing this is for the good of our national security” she added.
This is a “temporal coincidence” assured German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Thursday evening on the ARD channel. “When we started
Denmark Plans Increased Military presence in the Arctic
Denmark intends to establish a larger, permanent military presence in the Arctic region beginning in 2026, citing the growing strategic importance of the area for European and north American security. The announcement,made by danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen,signals a critically important shift in Denmark’s Arctic strategy.
Strategic Rationale for Increased Presence
A strengthened presence in the Arctic is essential for both European and North American security, according to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.NATO has increasingly focused on the Arctic as a potential area of strategic competition, particularly due to climate change opening up new sea lanes and access to resources. Denmark’s move aligns with this broader NATO focus.
The increased military presence is intended to bolster Denmark’s ability to monitor and protect its interests in the region, including its territorial claims and the safety of shipping routes. It also aims to demonstrate a commitment to maintaining stability in the Arctic.
Example: Prime Minister Frederiksen emphasized this point during a recent statement, stating that a strengthened Arctic presence is “essential for European and North American security.”
Details of the 2026 Plan
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that a plan is currently under development to establish a larger and permanent military presence in the Arctic by 2026. financial times reports that the plan will involve increased investment in surveillance technology and infrastructure, as well as a greater number of personnel stationed in the region.
Specific details regarding the size and composition of the increased military presence have not yet been released. However, it is expected to include personnel from all branches of the Danish Armed Forces, as well as enhanced capabilities for maritime surveillance and response.
Evidence: The Danish Ministry of Defence confirmed the development of the plan in a press release on January 15, 2026, stating that it is a “natural consequence of the changing security landscape in the Arctic.”
International Context and Cooperation
Denmark’s decision to increase its Arctic military presence comes amid growing international interest in the region. Russia has been considerably increasing its military activity in the Arctic for years, and other countries, including the United States and Canada, are also bolstering their presence. The U.S. Department of Defense released its Arctic Strategy in February 2023,outlining its priorities for the region.
Denmark is committed to maintaining close cooperation with its allies and partners in the Arctic, including the United States, Canada, Norway, and Iceland. The country is a founding member of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation on Arctic issues.
Example: On Friday, January 16, 2026, Prime Minister Frederiksen is scheduled to meet with a delegation from the American Congress visiting Copenhagen to discuss Arctic security cooperation.
