Media: NATO considers strengthening Arctic presence as US eyes Greenland

NATO is reportedly weighing a proposal to significantly expand its military presence in the Arctic, driven by US President Donald Trump's push for greater control over Greenland.

According to sources within NATO, the initiative is still in the early stages of informal discussion, but it seeks to address both the security concerns raised by Trump and the growing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The proposed expansion would involve bolstering NATO’s Arctic defences, with a prominent role for the US, and is seen as a potential response to Trump’s ongoing interest in Greenland. The proposal aims to ease the tensions surrounding the island and align NATO's presence with US security interests, especially in light of increasing Russian and Chinese activities in the region.

Trump’s interest in Greenland has been a point of contention, particularly his suggestion that the US might purchase the island, which both Greenlandic and Danish officials have strongly rejected.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently indicated that Trump’s interest in Greenland is rooted in its strategic importance to global trade and security, particularly as China may attempt to establish a foothold in the Arctic, much like it has in other parts of the world.

NATO’s potential Arctic expansion could be grounded in defence plans already outlined for 2023, which include measures to enhance deterrence and defence capabilities in the far north. However, NATO sources cautioned that the success of this proposal will depend on whether Trump’s interest in Greenland is primarily driven by security concerns or by the island’s untapped natural resources. If the latter is the case, the proposal could face significant hurdles.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is strategically important to the US due to its role in the North Atlantic and its hosting of the Pituffik Space Base, which is crucial for missile warning systems and Arctic surveillance. The US and Denmark have maintained a defence agreement since 1951, ensuring US defence of the island against external threats. However, discussions on Greenland's future continue to evolve amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic.

By Vafa Guliyeva