Denmark strengthens Greenland defense after Trump’s renewed interest in Arctic Control
“We have not invested enough in the Arctic for many years. Now, we are planning a stronger presence,” Poulsen said.
The Danish government has announced a major boost in defense spending for Greenland, just hours after former US President Donald Trump reignited his interest in purchasing the Arctic island.
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Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the defense package would cost at least 12 billion Danish kroner, equivalent to $1.5 billion. He called the timing of the announcement an “irony of fate,” coming shortly after Trump described Greenland as a strategic necessity for the United States.
Poulsen explained that the funds would be used to strengthen Denmark’s presence in Greenland, which is an autonomous territory. This includes purchasing two patrol ships, two long-range drones, and even two new dog sled teams. Additional staffing will be added to the Arctic Command in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. One of Greenland’s main civilian airports will also be upgraded to accommodate F-35 fighter jets.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is rich in minerals and oil reserves. It is also strategically located on the shortest route between North America and Europe. The island is already home to a large US airbase, making it crucial for American military operations.
On Monday, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that owning Greenland was essential for US national security and global freedom. However, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede quickly responded, saying, “We are not for sale.”
Instead of rejecting Trump’s idea, Egede emphasized Greenland’s openness to trade and cooperation with neighboring countries. Analysts believe the defense plan had been in the works for years and was not a direct response to Trump’s comments.
Denmark has been slow to invest in Greenland’s defense over the years. But with growing concerns about Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic, pressure to act has increased.
“We have not invested enough in the Arctic for many years. Now, we are planning a stronger presence,” Poulsen said.
The new defense package includes more than just military hardware. Denmark is looking to improve its ability to monitor the vast territory of Greenland. The Arctic region is seeing rising interest from global powers due to its melting ice caps, which reveal untapped resources and new shipping routes.
Poulsen also hinted that Denmark would work closely with the US on Arctic security. “We cannot handle this alone,” he said, noting that Denmark is open to cooperation with its allies.
Trump’s interest in Greenland is not new. In 2019, during his first term as president, he proposed buying the island from Denmark. The suggestion was met with outrage and ridicule. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the idea “absurd,” and Trump canceled a planned state visit in response.
Despite the backlash, Trump continues to view Greenland as a strategic asset. On Monday, he reiterated his belief that US control of Greenland is essential for national security.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Egede reaffirmed that Greenland would remain independent. “Greenland is ours. We must not lose our years-long fight for freedom,” he said.
The Danish government echoed its support for Greenland’s autonomy. However, analysts suggest Trump’s repeated comments may have pushed Denmark to act.
Army Major Steen Kjaergaard, a Danish defense expert, noted that Trump’s statements could be a way of pressuring Denmark. “Trump may be trying to get Denmark to prioritize its Arctic capabilities without directly involving the US,” he said.
Greenland’s strategic importance is also attracting interest from other global powers. The US, China, and Russia are all competing for influence in the Arctic. With ice caps melting faster than ever, the region’s resources and shipping routes are becoming increasingly accessible.
Denmark’s new defense package is seen as a step toward securing its position in the Arctic and addressing concerns about encroachments from other nations.
While Denmark has outlined its plans, the exact details of how the defense funds will be used remain unclear. Poulsen said the focus will be on long-term investments to ensure a stronger presence in Greenland.
For now, Greenland remains firm in its stance. “We are not for sale,” Prime Minister Egede said, sending a clear message to Trump and other interested parties.
