Denmark Increases Arctic Defence Spending by $2 Billion Following Trump’s Greenland Comments
Denmark will spend another $2.05 billion to strengthen security in the Arctic region in partnership with its autonomous territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, the country's Defence Ministry reports.
The deal includes three new Arctic ships, new long-range drones with enhanced imaging capabilities and more powerful satellite capabilities.
‘We must accept that there are serious security and defence challenges in the Arctic and North Atlantic,’ said Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
The three new Arctic warships will help to carry out tasks around Greenland more efficiently and adaptively, as well as to transport cargo, including helicopters and drones.
Long-range drones will help to monitor areas over long distances and provide detailed surveillance. Meanwhile, ground-based sensors will enhance situational awareness and intelligence.
The Danish government also plans to sign another deal to strengthen security in the Arctic in the first half of 2025.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen began a tour of major European capitals on Tuesday as the continent faces what she called a ‘more uncertain reality’ and her country beefs up its military presence around Greenland.
She has scheduled stops in Berlin, Paris and Brussels. In the latter, she will meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Mette Frederiksen's trip comes at a time when new US President Donald Trump has said he does not rule out the use of military force to take control of Greenland, which belongs to NATO and European Union member Denmark.
At the same time, the European Union's top military official said it would be ‘quite logical’ to deploy EU troops to Greenland, POLITICO reports.
‘In my opinion, it would be quite logical not only to deploy US troops in Greenland, as is happening now, but also to consider the possibility of deploying EU soldiers there,’ said Robert Brieger, chairman of the European Union's Military Committee, the bloc's highest military body.
‘This would send a strong signal and could contribute to stability in the region,’ he added.