Denmark Invites US to Greenland Military Exercises Amid Heightened Arctic Tensions

Formal Invitation Extended

Denmark has formally invited the United States to participate in military exercises scheduled to take place in Greenland later in 2026. The invitation was extended by Major General Søren Andersen, head of Denmark's Arctic Command, on Friday, January 16, 2026. Danish authorities are currently awaiting an official response from Washington regarding its participation.

These exercises are part of a broader initiative to bolster security in the Arctic region, an area of increasing geopolitical focus. The Danish-led 'Operation Arctic Endurance' has already seen the deployment of military personnel from several NATO member states, including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, the UK, Estonia, and Belgium.

Context of Arctic Geopolitical Landscape

The invitation comes amidst a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding Greenland. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly articulated his view that the United States needs to take control of Greenland for national security, citing concerns about potential Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

However, Danish and Greenlandic officials have firmly rejected any notion of the island being for sale or subject to unilateral takeover. Greenland's government and the Danish Ministry of Defence have emphasized that while they are open to expanding cooperation with the US military, Greenland remains an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its defense is a 'common concern' for the entire NATO alliance.

Despite a 'fundamental disagreement' on the issue of Greenland's future, a high-level working group is being established between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials to discuss Arctic security.

Objectives and Scope of the Exercises

The planned military exercises in Greenland aim to strengthen the alliance's presence and operational capabilities in the unique Arctic environment. The activities for 2026 could include:

• Guarding critical infrastructure
• Providing assistance to local authorities, including the police
• Receiving allied troops
• Deploying fighter aircraft in and around Greenland
• Conducting naval operations

The Danish Armed Forces, in close cooperation with NATO allies, are expanding their presence and exercise activity in and around Greenland to train the ability to operate under Arctic conditions and to strengthen the alliance's footprint in the region.

Major General Søren Andersen has clarified that, contrary to some claims, no Russian or Chinese vessels have recently been observed near Greenland. The United States already maintains a presence of approximately 150 troops at the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) under a 1951 defense agreement, which grants Washington access to Greenlandic territory.