International interest in major exercise in the Arctic
The increased presence of the Danish Armed Forces has attracted international media to Greenland. On Monday, they were aboard the frigate Niels Juel together with ministers from the Nordic countries.
September 16, 2025 - 15:49
Photo: Nicklas Levin / Forsvaret
By the Danish Defence Command
On Monday, the Danish Defence held its “distinguished visitors day”, which is traditionally arranged when a major international exercise is held.
A large part of the day's programme took place on the frigate Niels Juel, which is part of the exercise in Greenland.
The two F-16 fighter jets currently flying from Kangerlussuaq were part of the day's events. Photo: Christian Sundsdal / Danish Armed Forces
Among those on board were Greenland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, the defence ministers from Norway, Iceland and Denmark, and guests from the participating NATO countries.
The Police Task Force participated in the exercise and boarded the inspection vessel Thetis on the day. They arrived by boat and helicopter with dogs. Photo: Christian Sundsdal / Danish Armed Forces
Along with the international guests, a number of international media outlets were also present. CNN, Associated Press and Reuters, among others, participated and had the opportunity to experience a number of the capabilities currently deployed in Greenland.
Today's training in the large exercise was arranged so that most of it could be seen from Niels Juel. This meant that ships, helicopters, special operations soldiers and aircraft were deployed together at the same time in the same place. Such an arrangement is a major logistical task, and the coordination required to ensure that such a day runs smoothly is a major challenge.
