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Denmark Boosts Greenland Defense After Trump’s Arctic Control Remarks

Denmark Boosts Greenland Defense After Trump’s Arctic Control Remarks
Credit: Reuters

U.S.(Washington Insider Magazine) – In response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s repeated desire to purchase Greenland, Denmark has announced a significant defense spending increase for the Arctic territory. The Danish government, led by Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, revealed a defense package valued at approximately $1.5 billion (£1.2 billion), aimed at enhancing Greenland’s military capabilities.

The announcement came just hours after Trump declared on social media that ownership and control of Greenland is an “absolute necessity” for U.S. national security. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, has long been of strategic importance to the U.S., housing a key American military base and lying on the shortest route from North America to Europe. The island is also known for its abundant mineral reserves.

Poulsen emphasized the irony of the timing, noting that the proposed defense enhancements were planned in advance, yet Trump’s comments may have expedited the process. The defense package will include the purchase of new inspection ships, long-range drones, and even dog sled teams for Arctic operations. Furthermore, funding will be directed toward strengthening the staffing at Arctic Command in Nuuk and upgrading one of Greenland’s civilian airports to accommodate F-35 fighter jets.

“We have not invested enough in the Arctic for many years. Now, we are planning a stronger presence,” Poulsen said, referring to the need to bolster Denmark’s security efforts in the region.

Trump’s statements on the U.S. desire for control over Greenland follow a similar proposal in 2019, which was met with sharp opposition from Danish leaders. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, responded to the latest remarks, stating, “We are not for sale,” but acknowledged that Greenland should continue fostering cooperation with neighboring countries, including the U.S.

The defense boost comes amid growing concerns about potential encroachment by China and Russia in the Arctic. Experts suggest that Denmark’s military expansion in Greenland is part of a long-term strategy to counter these threats and avoid greater U.S. involvement in the region. According to Maj. Steen Kjaergaard from the Danish Defense Academy, Trump’s renewed push for Arctic control could be a tactic to pressure Denmark into strengthening its military presence in Greenland.

Despite Denmark’s slow expansion of its military infrastructure in Greenland in the past, analysts believe the increasing geopolitical tensions are pushing the country to act. Should Denmark fail to protect the Arctic region, the U.S. may intensify demands for more control, especially as local sentiments in Greenland appear more open to U.S. involvement, such as the recent inauguration of a new international airport in Nuuk.

The defense investment announcement signals Denmark’s commitment to securing Greenland’s borders and resources, even as Greenlanders assert their sovereignty in the face of external pressures.

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