US, NATO agree on missile deployment, mineral rights in Greenland

The United States and NATO have reached a framework agreement that introduces several significant changes in Greenland.

Under the deal, the US will deploy missiles on the island, gain rights to extract mineral resources, and NATO will increase its presence in the strategically important region, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The agreement also covers economic issues. One of the conditions for its implementation is that the US will maintain its commitment not to impose tariffs on goods from European countries.

Discussions between US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on January 22 did not address the question of Greenland’s sovereignty.

The United States is considering a more assertive role in Greenland, citing the presence of Russian and Chinese naval activity in the Arctic. President Donald Trump has argued that the US needs full control of the mineral-rich island to ensure global security.

Experts and NATO officials, however, say the threat to Greenland is currently minimal. Russian activity has shifted largely to Ukraine, while Chinese operations are limited to scientific exploration. Defence analysts note that US intelligence does not support claims of a significant Russian or Chinese military presence in the region.

The Royal United Services Institute highlighted that NATO allies, including the UK, Norway, Finland, and Germany, maintain the most capable Arctic-ready forces, while the US lacks experience and infrastructure for effective operations in harsh Arctic conditions. Joint exercises have shown American troops struggling with Arctic warfare scenarios, relying heavily on European expertise.

European officials caution that aggressive US moves in Greenland could undermine long-standing intelligence-sharing and maritime patrol agreements, potentially weakening US security rather than strengthening it. NATO continues to assess how best to monitor the Arctic, exploring air surveillance, naval deployments, and cooperative defence strategies without escalating tensions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev