The Danish Armed Forces increases presence and training activity in and around Greenland
The Danish Armed Forces is raising its activity level in and around Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies.
January 15, 2026 - 15:38
Soldiers board the Danish Defence's Hercules aircraft and fly to Greenland as part of the Danish Defence's increased presence. Photo: Simon Elbech / Danish Armed Forces
By the Danish Defence Command
The Danish Armed Forces continues its increased presence with training activities together with several NATO allies in the Arctic and the North Atlantic. This is done in close coordination with the Greenlandic authorities and the Government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.
In the summer of 2025, the Danish Armed Forces strengthened its presence and training activity in and around Greenland with a range of capabilities, including contributions from allies such as Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway. The initiatives included deployments at sea, on land, and in the air, as well as exercises related to the protection of critical infrastructure.
The Danish Armed Forces heightened presence and training activity will continue and be further strengthened in cooperation with additional NATO allies in 2026. The activities will consist of periodic training operations geographically distributed in and around the Arctic and the North Atlantic, comprising both national and international exercises.
Soldiers from several NATO countries are briefed after arriving at Joint Arctic Command in Nuuk, Greenland. Photo: Simon Elbech / Danish Armed Forces
The purpose is, among other things, to enhance the ability to operate under Arctic conditions and thereby strengthen the security of the entire alliance in the Arctic, to the benefit of both European and transatlantic security.
As part of the increased presence in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, the Danish Armed Forces will from today and in the coming period deploy capabilities and units in connection with training activities. This will lead to increased military presence in and around Greenland by aircraft, ships, and soldiers — including those from NATO allies.
The training activities in 2026 may include guarding critical societal installations, assisting the authorities in Greenland including the police, receiving allied troops, deploying fighter aircraft in and around Greenland, as well as conducting naval operations.