Denmark has announced a significant investment of 14.6 billion kroner (£1.6 billion; $2.05 billion) aimed at enhancing security in the Arctic region, in cooperation with its autonomous territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
This initiative includes the procurement of three new Arctic ships, additional long-range drones equipped with advanced imaging capabilities, and enhanced satellite capabilities.
Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the necessity of this investment, stating, “We must face the fact that there are serious challenges regarding security and defense in the Arctic and North Atlantic.”
This development follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated statements expressing interest in acquiring Greenland, which, though largely autonomous, remains part of Denmark. When asked earlier in January if he could rule out using military or economic force to pursue this goal, Trump replied that he could not.
Greenland, the world’s least populated territory, is home to approximately 56,000 predominantly indigenous Inuit residents.
The U.S. has historically maintained a security interest in Greenland. Since World War II, when Nazi Germany occupied Denmark, the U.S. established military bases in Greenland, a presence that has continued due to the territory’s strategic location on the shortest route between North America and Europe.
In recent years, increased focus has been placed on Greenland’s natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron mining opportunities.
Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Minister of Independence and Foreign Affairs, remarked on the new defense spending, stating, “Greenland is entering a time of changing threat landscape,” and expressed satisfaction with the agreement to strengthen security in and around Greenland.
Further funding announcements are anticipated in the first half of this year. This investment follows Denmark’s earlier declaration in December to allocate approximately £1.2 billion toward Greenland’s defense, which will support the purchase of new ships, long-range drones, and additional dog sled teams.
Lund Poulsen noted the timing of the funding announcement as a “irony of fate,” coinciding with Trump’s assertions of the necessity for U.S. ownership of Greenland.
Greenland’s Prime Minister has firmly stated that the territory is not for sale and that “Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland.” In response to Trump’s ambitions, Denmark’s Prime Minister conveyed that the decision regarding Greenland’s future rests with its inhabitants.
Despite warnings from European nations about threats to Greenland, Trump has reaffirmed his intentions regarding the territory.
Credit: BBC News