The head of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command, Søren Andersen, has dismissed concerns over a potential U.S. takeover of Greenland, emphasising that such a scenario “is not absolutely on my mind.” His remarks followed high-level meetings with U.S. General Gregory Guillot, who oversees North American defence, during the general’s recent visit to the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.
Andersen said the long-standing military partnership between Denmark and the U.S. in the Arctic remains strong. “I sleep perfectly well at night,” he told Reuters, adding, “Militarily, we work together, as we always have.”
The renewed dialogue came amid growing geopolitical tension in the Arctic, with recent Danish military exercises in Greenland marking one of the country’s largest military deployments there since the Cold War. While U.S. President Donald Trump has previously floated the idea of acquiring Greenland—at one point not ruling out the use of force—Danish officials remain focused on regional security, rather than territorial negotiations.
Though Russia and China have denied any intentions toward Greenland, state vessels from both countries have appeared unexpectedly near the island in recent years. Andersen said that while the threat level has not increased this year, proactive defence is essential: “To keep this area conflict-free, we have to do more. We need a credible deterrent.”
Historically tasked with civilian duties like search and rescue and fisheries monitoring, Denmark’s Arctic forces are increasingly shifting toward territorial defence. Recent exercises included deployments of F-16 fighter jets, a naval frigate, special forces, and increased surveillance of strategic infrastructure. Andersen said he hopes to repeat such operations soon.
Denmark’s permanent Arctic assets currently include four ageing patrol vessels, a surveillance aircraft, and traditional dog-sledge patrols, monitoring a region four times the size of France. But new funding is on the way: in January, the Danish government committed more than $2 billion toward Arctic defence, including the procurement of new naval vessels, drones, and satellite systems.
Meanwhile, international allies are taking notice. France has offered to deploy troops to Greenland, and EU officials have suggested stationing personnel from other European nations on the island.
Despite the rising military interest, Andersen pointed to Greenland’s sparse population and rugged terrain—particularly in the remote east—as natural barriers to invasion. “If, for example, there were to be a Russian naval landing on the east coast, I think it wouldn’t be long before such a military operation would turn into a rescue mission,” he noted.
Greenland is home to about 57,000 people, with 20,000 living in the capital, Nuuk. The rest are spread across small towns, mostly along the west coast.
reuters/s.s