Denmark's Armed Forces Increases Its Presence in Greenland
On Thursday, the Danish frigate HDMS Niels Juul passed the Faroe Islands on its way to Greenland. (Photo: Simon Elbeck/the Danish Armed Forces)
The Danish Armed Forces will be more visible in and around Greenland in the near future. A frigate and two helicopters are now in place to strengthen the military operations in the Arctic. Deployment of fighter jets will also follow.
Throughout the summer, the Danish Armed Forces will increase its presence in Greenland, at sea, on land, and in the air.
The aim is to strengthen the Danish forces’ operational capabilities in the Arctic and to support societal security in Greenland.
"The security policy situation requires the Armed Forces to practice the ability to operate in and around Greenland," says Vivian Motzfeldt (S), Greenland's Naalakkersuisoq (minister) of Foreign Affairs.
She alludes to US President Donald Trump's repeated statements about taking control over Greenland.
Several units are being relocated
On Tuesday, the Danish Armed Forces announced that two EH-101 Merlin helicopters and the frigate HDMS Nils Juel had arrived at the Arctic island. The helicopters will provide support for operational tasks, and the frigate will patrol in the waters off southern Greenland.
Furthermore, F-16 fighter jets will be deployed in Kangerlussuaq and patrol the island's west coast. The reinforcement of the military footprint also includes special forces conducting training and exercises around critical infrastructure.
Additionally, the guarding of critical infrastructure will be enhanced through the involvement of students in the Arctic basic training program in Greenland.
"It has been a priority for the Naalakkersuisut to ensure local involvement so that we as a population are strengthening our contribution to security in the country. I look forward to seeing the students at the Arctic basis training programme contribute to the mission," says Motzfeldt.
Close cooperation
The measures to further develop the military presence are designed in dialogue between Denmark's Minister of Defense, Troels Lund Poulsen, Defense Chief Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard, and the Greenlandic government, Naalakkersuisut.
"Since becoming defense minister, it has been a high priority for me to strengthen security in the Arctic, and I highly appreciate the close cooperation with Naalakkersuisut. The Armed Forces' increased presence will consider local conditions and the specific security policy challenges in Greenland," states Poulsen (V).
