Copenhagen: Denmark has announced plans to significantly strengthen its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, committing an additional 14.6 billion Danish crowns ($2.05 billion) to bolster security in the region.
Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen highlighted the growing security challenges in the Arctic and North Atlantic as the driving force behind the move.
The announcement coincides with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s efforts to rally European unity ahead of meetings with leaders from France, Germany, and NATO.
“Europe is facing a critical moment with war on the continent and shifting geopolitical realities. In such times, unity is essential,” Frederiksen stated. She emphasized Denmark’s reliance on strong alliances and the collective strength of the European community to address shared challenges.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory rich in mineral resources, has gained strategic importance due to melting Arctic ice, which is opening new shipping routes. The island has become a point of contention, with U.S. President Donald Trump recently reiterating that Greenland is crucial to U.S. security and pressing Denmark to relinquish control.
The United States already maintains a military presence at Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base, a key location for its ballistic missile early-warning system. Despite being responsible for Greenland’s security, Denmark has limited military resources on the vast island, which is often referred to as a “security black hole.”
Under the new security package, Denmark will acquire three additional Arctic patrol ships, expand its long-range drone fleet, and enhance satellite capabilities. Current resources include four aging patrol vessels, a surveillance aircraft, and dog sled patrol units tasked with monitoring an area four times the size of France.
This investment builds on Denmark’s broader efforts to revitalize its military, following years of budget cuts. Last year, the government allocated 190 billion Danish crowns ($26 billion) over a decade to strengthen its defense capabilities, with a portion now earmarked for Arctic security.
The new measures were agreed upon in collaboration with the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The three parties are set to negotiate a further agreement on deterrence and defense by summer 2025..
