In Greenland’s icy fjords, Danish warships now patrol with renewed intensity.
The world’s largest island, long under Denmark’s control, has become a hotspot in the Arctic power struggle.
For centuries, Denmark has maintained sovereignty over Greenland’s 57,000 people and vast resource-rich terrain.
But growing geopolitical pressures are forcing Copenhagen to expand its military footprint like never before.
CNN joined the HDMS Niels Juel during Exercise Arctic Light Denmark’s biggest-ever Arctic drill involving land, sea, and air forces.
The show of force comes as NATO allies warn that Russia and China are increasing their presence in the region.
Why Greenland Matters
Greenland, along with Iceland and the UK, sits on the crucial GIUK gap.
This maritime chokepoint controls access to the North Atlantic.
Military officials say Russia, despite being bogged down in Ukraine, could later shift focus to the Arctic.
China has also been expanding its footprint with infrastructure projects, Arctic shipping ambitions, and joint exercises with Moscow.
Yet Danish commanders told CNN that neither Russia nor China poses an immediate threat to Greenland.
Harsh terrain, icy waters, and limited infrastructure make the territory “virtually unconquerable,” one official noted.
The Trump Factor
So why is Denmark spending billions on Arctic defenses? The answer lies less in Moscow or Beijing, and more in Washington.
Earlier this year, Denmark unveiled a $2 billion Arctic defense plan, creating special forces, buying new naval ships, and acquiring long-range drones.
The timing coincided with Donald Trump’s renewed push for U.S. control of Greenland.
Trump insisted that “ownership of Greenland is a necessity” and even hinted at taking the island by force.
While the topic faded from his public agenda, Denmark still views Trump’s rhetoric as its biggest diplomatic challenge.
In what appears to be a rebuke, Denmark confirmed a record $9 billion purchase of European air defense systems bypassing U.S. Patriot missiles.
Diplomats told CNN that American suppliers would have won the deal a year ago, showing how Trump’s remarks carry real financial costs.
Denmark Sends a Message
Back in Nuuk Fjord, Danish naval guns echoed across the Arctic mountains as jets roared overhead.
“The message to our allies is clear: we are protecting the Kingdom of Denmark,” said Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen.
That statement may be aimed as much at the U.S. as at Russia or China a reminder that Denmark is not only a NATO ally but also a capable Arctic power determined to guard Greenland from all threats, external or political.
CNN.
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