Danish Army Prioritizes Russia as Primary Threat to Greenland's Security Amid Arctic Buildup

Denmark Bolsters Arctic Defenses Against Russian Threat

The Danish military has explicitly identified Russia as the primary security threat to Greenland, a strategic shift that moves past previous concerns regarding U.S. interest in the autonomous territory. This reorientation is being met with enhanced military exercises and substantial investments in Arctic defense capabilities.

'Arctic Light 2025' Exercise Underlines Preparedness

From September 9 to 19, 2025, Denmark led the significant 'Arctic Light 2025' military exercise in and around Greenland. This maneuver involved over 550 service members from Denmark and several NATO allies, including France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. The exercise aimed to bolster the operational readiness of the Danish armed forces and NATO's joint response capabilities against 'destabilizing threats' in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.

Key assets deployed during 'Arctic Light 2025' included:

• The Danish frigate HDMS Niels Juel
• F-16 fighter jets
• EH-101 helicopters
• Personnel from all three branches of the armed forces, including special forces

The drills encompassed training in boarding ships, guarding critical infrastructure, and utilizing ground drones in the Arctic environment.

Significant Investment in Greenland's Security

In response to the evolving security landscape, Denmark is undertaking a substantial increase in defense spending for Greenland. A package totaling approximately 14.6 billion kroner (equivalent to about $2.3 billion or at least $1.5 billion) has been allocated to enhance the region's security infrastructure. This investment includes:

• Three new Arctic naval vessels
• Two additional long-range surveillance drones
• Enhanced satellite capacity
• Upgrading one of Greenland's three main civilian airports to accommodate F-35 fighter jets

Furthermore, there are plans to establish the first-ever military unit permanently based in Greenland, marking a historic shift in Arctic defense strategy. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen acknowledged that Denmark had 'not invested enough in the Arctic for many years' and emphasized the current plan for a stronger presence.

Russia's Growing Arctic Presence as a Catalyst

The Danish military's heightened focus is a direct response to Russia's consistent military buildup in the Arctic over the past two decades. Russia has been reopening Soviet-era military bases, expanding its Northern Fleet, and deploying offensive capabilities in the region. Danish intelligence services have warned of an increased risk of escalation between NATO and Moscow in the Arctic, describing Russia as a 'regional superpower' in the area. Russia views its extensive Arctic coastline as a strategic interest and a potential vulnerability, leading to significant investments in military and industrial infrastructure.

While past U.S. interest, notably former President Donald Trump's repeated suggestions of purchasing Greenland, caused diplomatic tensions and prompted Denmark to reinforce its defenses, the current strategic priority remains firmly on the perceived threat from Russia. Russia itself has also voiced concerns and warnings regarding U.S. ambitions in Greenland, citing potential violations of international law and regional instability.