Denmark Amplifies Arctic Defense Initiatives with Major Military Investments

Sun Oct 12 2025 00:15:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a strategic move to enhance Arctic security, Denmark reveals a $4.2 billion defense plan that includes new ships, fighter jets, and a military headquarters in Greenland.

Denmark has announced a significant increase in defense spending amounting to $4.2 billion to bolster security in the Arctic region. The new defense package will see an acquisition of 16 F-35 fighter jets, other military equipment, and the establishment of an Arctic command in Nuuk, Greenland. The Danish government emphasizes the importance of safeguarding its territories amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Denmark has announced $4.2bn (£3.2bn) of extra defence spending to boost security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, including Greenland.

It will also spend $4.5bn buying 16 more F-35 fighter jets from the US, bringing its total fleet of such advanced planes to 43.

With this... agreement we significantly strengthen the capabilities of the Danish Armed Forces in the region, Denmark's Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated.

The Arctic is a critical area between North America, Russia, and Europe. The Danish defence ministry underscores that the military's role is to ensure security and, if necessary, to defend within the NATO framework.

The task of the Armed Forces is to ensure security throughout the Kingdom - and, if necessary, to defend Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark within the framework of NATO in all domains, the Chief of Defence, Michael Hyldgaard, told Danish broadcaster DR, without identifying the potential adversaries.

Denmark collaborated with Greenland and the Faroe Islands on this defense package. This includes plans to purchase two new Arctic ships, maritime patrol planes, drones, and early warning radar systems. A new Arctic command headquarters will be established in Nuuk, Greenland, alongside a new military unit under Joint Arctic Command.

In addition, funding will also be allocated for an undersea cable connecting Greenland to Denmark.

Greenland is strategically positioned between North America and Russia and has gained increased attention for its natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron. This island is crucial for military operations, providing the shortest route from North America to Europe and housing significant American military facilities.

Previous US President Donald Trump emphasized Greenland's strategic relevance, viewing it as vital for defending against Russian and Chinese maritime activities. However, Greenland's prime minister maintains the territory is not for sale and belongs to its people.