Denmark to invest billions in bolstering Arctic security
Denmark has committed to investing 14.6 billion kroner (£1.6bn; $2.05bn) to enhance security in the Arctic region, in collaboration with its autonomous territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. This initiative includes the acquisition of three new Arctic ships, additional long-range drones with advanced imaging capabilities, and improved satellite technology.
Denmark’s Defence Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, emphasized the growing security challenges in the Arctic and North Atlantic, saying, “We must face the fact that there are serious challenges regarding security and defence in the Arctic and North Atlantic.”
This move comes after repeated comments from former US President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, an island with significant autonomy but still part of Denmark.
When asked earlier in January whether he could rule out using military or economic pressure to obtain Greenland, Trump said he could not. Greenland, the world’s least densely populated territory, is home to around 56,000 primarily indigenous Inuit people.
The US has long had a security interest in Greenland. During World War II, after Nazi Germany occupied Denmark, the US established military and radio stations on the island and has maintained a presence there ever since. Its strategic location on the shortest route between North America and Europe makes it vital for US defense interests.
In recent years, Greenland’s natural resources—such as rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron—have sparked increased attention, adding to its geopolitical importance.
Greenland’s Minister of Independence and Foreign Affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt, welcomed Denmark’s new defense spending, stating, “Greenland is entering a time of changing threat landscape,” and expressed satisfaction that the first steps were being taken to bolster security around the island.
Further funding announcements are expected later this year. This new defense investment follows Denmark’s December commitment of approximately £1.2 billion for Greenland’s defense, which includes new ships, long-range drones, and additional dog sled teams.
Poulsen noted the “irony of fate” in the timing of this defense initiative, which came shortly after Trump called for the US to take control of Greenland. Greenland’s prime minister has firmly stated that the territory is not for sale, asserting, “Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland.” Denmark’s prime minister also reiterated that it is up to Greenland’s people to determine their future.
Despite these reassurances, Trump has continued to insist on his desire to secure Greenland, prompting warnings from European nations to refrain from exerting pressure on the territory.
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