Denmark has begun deploying military equipment and advanced forces to Greenland, amid escalating tensions over the Arctic island’s strategic importance and renewed statements from the United States, according to Danish media reports.
A preliminary command unit has already been sent to prepare infrastructure and logistics for the potential deployment of larger Danish and allied forces. Local broadcaster DR reported that this unit’s task is to ensure facilities and supply lines are ready to support the arrival of main forces at a later stage.
The reinforcements are expected to include soldiers from the Danish Army, aimed at strengthening the Armed Forces of Denmark’s presence on the island. However, most of Denmark’s remaining combat capabilities are currently tied to NATO commitments in the Baltic states.
Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has attracted U.S. interest due to its strategic location and abundant mineral resources. Both Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.
On Tuesday, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed plans for a larger and more permanent military footprint in Greenland.
“We are now moving forward with a larger and more permanent presence in Greenland from the Danish defense, but also with participation from other countries,” Poulsen told reporters.
“As we saw in 2025, when other NATO countries participated in exercises and training in Greenland, we will see the same in 2026,” he added.
The move comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States should “buy” Greenland to prevent the island from falling under Russian or Chinese control. Trump previously described Greenland’s possession as an “absolute necessity” for U.S. economic security, comparing it to a “major real estate deal.”
