Denmark to Spend $2.05 Billion Boosting Military Capabilities in the Arctic
Denmark has announced that it will invest 14.6 billion Danish kroner (approximately $2.05 billion) in its military capabilities in the Arctic. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns over US President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in controlling Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
The agreement aims to improve Denmark’s ability to surveil and maintain its sovereignty in the region, while also supporting NATO’s efforts in the Arctic and North Atlantic. As part of the investment package, Denmark will fund three new Arctic naval vessels, two long-range drones with surveillance capabilities, and increased basic military training.
Denmark’s Minister of Defense, Troels Lund Poulsen, stated that the country must strengthen its presence in the Arctic due to the region’s “serious challenges regarding security and defense.” Vivian Motzfeldt, Minister of Statehood and Foreign Affairs, added that Greenland is facing a changing security landscape.
The announcement comes as the European Union has stated it is not negotiating on the sovereignty of Greenland, and has reaffirmed its support for Denmark and its autonomous region. Trump, who has previously described US control of Greenland as an “absolute necessity,” has been met with strong rebuffs from both Greenland and Denmark, with officials stressing that the island is not for sale.
Despite the rebukes, speculation over Greenland’s independence movement has contributed to the debate over its future. Greenland’s Prime Minister recently called for the island to break free from “the shackles of colonialism,” although he did not mention the United States.