Denmark deploys advance military unit to Greenland amid Trump annexation threats
By lauraharris // 2026-01-17
Copy
 
  • Denmark has sent an advance contingent of its armed forces to Greenland to strengthen its military presence on the strategically important Arctic island.
  • Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Denmark plans a more permanent and larger military presence in Greenland, with participation from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies in response to growing Arctic security challenges.
  • The advance unit is preparing infrastructure and supply lines for the possible arrival of larger Danish forces, though much of Denmark's combat capacity remains committed to NATO missions in the Baltic states.
  • Several NATO allies, including Germany, Sweden, France and Norway, are deploying small numbers of troops to Greenland for joint exercises, including preparations for Operation Arctic Endurance.
  • Greenland's strategic importance has heightened international interest, with the U.S. already maintaining about 150 troops at Pituffik Space Base, while Canada plans to open a consulate in Nuuk in the coming weeks.
An advance contingent of the Danish Armed Forces has arrived in Greenland as Denmark moves to strengthen its military presence on the strategically important Arctic island. Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, though Copenhagen retains responsibility for defense and foreign policy. As BrightU.AI's Enoch, its strategic importance in the Arctic has made it a focal point of international competition, particularly between the U.S. and China, as both nations seek to secure its vast resources and strategic shipping lanes. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that the government is committed to establishing "a more permanent and larger military presence" in and around Greenland for Denmark and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies. He described the move as a response to growing security challenges in the Arctic region. "We are now moving forward with the whole issue of a more permanent larger presence in Greenland from Danish defense, but also with the participation of other countries," he said. "Just as we had in 2025, where we saw that there were other NATO countries participating in exercise and training activities in Greenland, we will also see this in 2026." In line with this, Denmark has begun deploying military equipment and advanced troops to prepare logistics and infrastructure for the possible arrival of larger forces from the Danish Army and other branches of the armed forces. The advance unit is tasked with readying facilities and supply lines to support a broader deployment at a later stage. The reinforcements are also expected to include soldiers from Danish Army units, although much of Denmark's remaining combat capability is currently committed to NATO missions in the Baltic states.

NATO allies send troops to Greenland to show solidarity

NATO, which includes 30 European nations along with the United States and Canada, is founded on the principle of collective defense, meaning an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. That principle has made Trump's comments particularly alarming to European allies, given Greenland's status as part of NATO through Denmark. As a result, other NATO countries are also deploying small numbers of military personnel to Greenland to take part in joint exercises with Denmark. In a statement on Wednesday, Jan. 14, Germany's Defense Ministry said it would send a reconnaissance team of 13 military personnel to Greenland on Thursday for an "exploration mission" alongside partner nations, at Denmark's invitation. Sweden also dispatched an unspecified number of troops to Greenland on Wednesday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Swedish officers will join forces from other allied countries to prepare for an upcoming exercise known as Operation Arctic Endurance. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France's participation in the exercise, writing on X that "the first French military units are already on their way," with additional forces to follow. Norway is sending two defense personnel, according to a spokesperson for the Norwegian Ministry of Defense. Canada has also said it plans to open a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, in the coming weeks. Watch this clip of U.S. President Donald Trump reiterating that Washington "needs Greenland" during an interview aboard Air Force One.
This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: English.news AA.com.tr CNN.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
Copy