Soldiers arrive for major exercise in Greenland

By Defence Command Denmark

A little after half past four in the afternoon, the first soldiers from the main force put their boots on the rocky Greenlandic ground at Nuuk Airport.

Before the soldiers could be received in Nuuk, a large logistical planning effort was carried out by units from both Joint Movement and Transport Organization (JMTO) and soldiers from Trænregimentet. When it comes to providing transport, accommodation and food for around 200 soldiers, preparation is all-important.

“It is a big and exciting job, when we have to receive so many soldiers in one day,” says Kathrine, who is the commander of the 4th National Support Element, deployed from Trænregimentet to Greenland.

The work turned out to be both bigger and more exciting than expected because the plane that was supposed to have transported around 140 soldiers from Nuuk to Kangerlussuaq was grounded due to a bird strike.

Therefore, accommodation and transportation for even more soldiers had to be found quickly in Nuuk.

"Together with JMTO, we have to ensure, that the reception of incoming and outgoing personnel is under control - as well as where people will live, where they will be taken and what they will get to eat. It is challenging here in Greenland, where the conditions and distances are very different from Denmark. This places great demands on logistics," says Kathrine.

Cooperation with NATO-partners in Greenland

In 2025, the Danish Armed Forces have strengthened their military exercise activities in the Arctic and the North Atlantic through increased deployment of Danish Armed Forces units. In addition to the soldiers, there is also an increased presence of frigates, helicopters, aircraft and special forces.

The effort is intended to strengthen the good operational cooperation with both local authorities and international partners in and around Greenland.

It is therefore not only Danish units, which arrive in Greenland. Soldiers from international partner nations also take part in the exercise and are part of the Danish Armed Forces' increased presence in Greenland.

“One of the important things about our work here in Greenland these days is, that we must also ensure, that the reception of soldiers from both NATO and partner units runs smoothly, and that they feel well received,” says Kathrine.

In total, more than 550 people and soldiers participate - including more than 70 participants from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

Joint Arctic Command, headquartered in Nuuk, is in charge of the Armed Forces’ presence in Greenland and the many activities taking place these days.