Denmark invites US to join military exercises in Greenland

The head of Denmark’s Arctic Command has formally invited the United States to take part in upcoming military exercises in Greenland, with Washington’s response still pending, Danish media reports.

The Arctic Command is responsible for overseeing the activities of the Danish Armed Forces in and around Greenland and the Faroe Islands. On Friday, 16 January, Major General Søren Andersen issued an official invitation to the United States to join the planned exercises on the island.

Andersen said the drills are scheduled for later this year, and Danish authorities are awaiting confirmation from the US. Several NATO member states have already deployed military personnel to Greenland to participate in Denmark’s Operation Arctic Endurance exercises.

The United States already maintains a presence of about 150 troops at the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) under the 1951 defence agreement, which grants Washington unrestricted access to Greenlandic territory.

The Major General also stated that no Russian or Chinese vessels have recently been observed near Greenland and described the likelihood of one NATO state attacking another as low.

European officials, however, have voiced concern following recent remarks by US President Donald Trump about Greenland and its strategic value to the United States. The EU is reportedly considering various measures to safeguard the world’s largest island from any unilateral moves by Washington.

Amid heightened rhetoric, NATO allies have deployed approximately 35 additional personnel to Greenland to bolster its defence posture.

Trump has again underscored his view that the United States must take control of Greenland in order to deploy the Golden Dome missile defence system, warning that without swift action, the territory could face the risk of being taken by Russia or China. He has also not ruled out imposing tariffs on countries that oppose his plans for the island.

The United States intends to maintain regular dialogue with Denmark and Greenland. According to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, the parties have agreed to establish a dedicated working group to address the technical details of any potential arrangements and to continue consultations according to a defined schedule of meetings.

By Tamilla Hasanova