Denmark's defence chief urges permanent troop presence on Greenland

Denmark’s chief of defence, Peter Boysen, announced that the armed forces are prepared to maintain a permanent deployment of soldiers on Greenland, pending political approval. Since January, combat-ready troops have been conducting exercises on the island, and a contingent of conscripts arrived in August. NATO’s Arctic Sentry operation, which includes Danish F-35 aircraft, is also underway around Greenland.

Boysen argued that the army’s familiarity with the local terrain and climate is essential for both Danish and Arctic security. Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus stressed that a continued Danish presence is crucial for safeguarding the region. The government is actively discussing the scope of Arctic defence with Greenland’s Naalakkersuisut, the Faroe Islands’ Landsstyre and the defence cooperation council, following the chief’s recommendation.