Belgium will deploy around 30 military personnel to Greenland in early September as part of NATO’s new “Arctic Sentry” mission. The news was confirmed by Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken to Belgian broadcaster VTM.
The deployment will include troops from the First Brigade, based in Leopoldsburg, as well as members of Belgium’s Special Forces.
The “Arctic Sentry” mission aims to strengthen NATO’s presence in the Arctic region, including areas around Greenland, Iceland, and the Arctic Ocean. The alliance considers the region to be of growing strategic importance, particularly due to increased interest from Russia and China.
Belgian troops will participate in deterrence and training activities, including drone operations and the testing of counter-drone systems. Belgian authorities have assessed that Greenland’s vast territory provides suitable conditions for conducting these exercises.
Belgium will lead the operation together with Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Sweden.
According to VTM, the alliance’s goal is to send a “clear message” to U.S. President Donald Trump, demonstrating that NATO is capable of defending the Arctic and the strategically important island of Greenland.
The deployment of Belgian troops comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Greenland’s status. Trump has recently reiterated his interest in acquiring the island, describing U.S. control over Greenland as a historic and strategic necessity.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has rejected Trump’s statements, emphasizing that Greenland “is not for sale” and that only the people of Greenland have the right to decide its future.
