Denmark is establishing a permanent military presence in Greenland, with troops from five NATO allies joining a multinational force as talks with the Trump administration ended in "fundamental disagreement" over the Arctic island's future.
France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all sent personnel to support Operation Arctic Endurance, a Danish-led exercise evaluating logistics, terrain, and military contributions needed for stronger Arctic reinforcement, The National reported.
The deployment coincides with President Donald Trump's repeated demands for US control over Greenland—he has not ruled out using economic coercion or military means to achieve that goal.
Denmark-US talks end in "fundamental disagreement"
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen met Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on January 14. He emerged saying it remains "clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland," the Associated Press reported.
Rasmussen rejected both military takeover and purchase of the island. "Ideas that would not respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are totally unacceptable," he said.
Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt was equally direct: "Greenland does not want to be owned by, governed by or part of the United States. We choose the Greenland we know today—as part of the Kingdom of Denmark," she stated.
The two sides agreed to establish a working group to continue discussions—though Rasmussen cautioned he was "no Chamberlain saying 'peace in our time.'"
Denmark establishes permanent Greenland military presence
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced Denmark intends "to establish a more permanent military presence with a larger Danish contribution," with allied soldiers rotating through Greenland throughout 2026.
Activities will include guarding critical infrastructure, assisting local authorities, deploying fighter aircraft, and conducting naval operations. Danish F-35s can now operate over Greenland with support from the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet, Aviation Week reported—a significant capability boost, as Denmark had previously deployed fighters to the island only on rare occasions.
"Security in the Arctic is of vital importance to the kingdom and our Arctic allies," Poulsen said. "We have done this in 2025, and in a natural continuation of the effort, we will continue and expand the collaboration in 2026."
NATO allies join Operation Arctic Endurance
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France dispatched 15 elite mountain infantry troops, while Germany deployed a 13-member Bundeswehr reconnaissance team for a three-day mission. Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom have also sent personnel.
"France and Europeans must continue to be present wherever their interests are threatened, without escalation but uncompromising on respect for territorial sovereignty," President Emmanuel Macron said, according to the AP.
"In the coming weeks, the armed forces, together with several Arctic and European allies, will explore how an increased presence and exercise activity in the Arctic can take place," Poulsen said, according to Aviation Week.
Denmark's $15 billion Arctic defense investment
Copenhagen has allocated "almost $15 billion within just the last couple of years to capabilities in the High North," Rasmussen said, adding that Denmark was reinforcing Arctic security "by committing additional funds for military capabilities—not dogsleds, but ships, drones, fighter jets," CNBC reported.
Despite the symbolism, Danish officials have downplayed suggestions the deployment is meant to deter American action. "I consider it unlikely that a NATO country should attack another NATO country," Poulsen said, according to CBC.
