From ‘two sled dogs’ to air defense: Greenland significantly bolsters its defense

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Greenland is investing heavily in its military activities.

Greenland is investing heavily in defense with a package of ground-based air defense systems, new coastal radars, port expansions, and a larger military headquarters. In his first extensive interview, Søren Andersen, Major General and head of Arctic defense, explained the plans to Danish TV 2.

“The influx of soldiers to Greenland will continue until next year, and likely even longer,” says Andersen. In September, a decision was made to allocate 58 billion Danish kroner (more than 7.5 billion euros) for air defense. Nuuk, the capital, will receive a ground-based system capable of shooting down enemy missiles. This year, two coastal radars will also be installed—the first in July, the second in the south—to monitor maritime traffic.

Russian threat as the catalyst

The greatest threat at present is Russia. “The threat is what we are seeing in Ukraine, where Russia is attacking civilians and critical infrastructure. I have no doubt that if it comes to an armed conflict with Russia, they will use the same means,” Andersen said. Danish soldiers will guard power plants, oil reserves, and port facilities, making sabotage and espionage much more difficult.

Andersen views the reinforcement as comparable to the protection of Copenhagen: “Just as we must protect Copenhagen, we must also train and protect Nuuk. And Tórshavn, for that matter.” A permanent military presence has not yet been decided politically, but operations will continue through 2027 and likely beyond.

Cooperation with the U.S. despite threats

U.S. President Donald Trump previously mocked the Danish presence, which consisted of “two sled dogs,” and threatened to acquire Greenland to counter Russian and Chinese activities in the Arctic. Andersen won’t confirm whether the upgrades are related to Trump: “I have no comment on that.”

The new equipment is already on its way: satellite surveillance, drones for maritime and air operations, patrol ships for the Arctic (replacing the 40-year-old fleet), and facilities for fighter jets equipped with precision-guided missiles. Large-scale exercises with French troops, special forces, and allied fighter jets are planned.

When asked what it’s like to work with a country that threatens you, Andersen replies diplomatically: “We’ve been working together for decades. I believe we’ll continue to do so in the decades to come.” He's not concerned about a possible attack by the U.S.: “If one NATO country attacks another NATO country, the world as we know it will cease to exist.”

Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. are still negotiating a future military agreement for the protection of the Arctic.

©Visit Greenland via Unsplash - illustrative image of Greenland