Denmark has announced a €1.9 billion plan to bolster its Arctic defence, a move that comes amid mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly stated his desire to acquire the island of Greenland. The announcement follows what has been described as a “fiery” and “horrendous” phone call between Trump and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen over the future of the Arctic territory.
The Danish decision to invest heavily in Arctic defence marks a significant shift after years of minimal spending on Greenland’s security. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced the plan, which includes funding for three new Arctic navy vessels, doubling the number of surveillance drones, and enhancing satellite capabilities. The initiative aims to address what some officials have called a “security black hole” in Greenland, a territory four times the size of France but patrolled by limited Danish resources.
The Financial Times reported last weekend that various sources said Trump pressed Frederiksen aggressively during the 45-minute call, demanding Denmark relinquish control of the island to enhance U.S. security. However, Frederiksen’s office later played down the severity of the exchange, saying it did “not recognise the interpretation of the conversation.”
Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, is home to the U.S.-operated Pituffik Space Base, a key facility for missile early warning and space surveillance. Trump’s renewed focus on the Arctic has been driven by concerns over its vast untapped resources, as well as the shipping routes that would open up if the ice cap melts. The U.S. also wants to counter Russia and China’s growing presence in the region.
During a recent press conference, Trump framed his interest in Greenland as essential for “protecting the free world.” The U.S. president has been concerned about NATO members failing to spend enough on their militaries, leaving America to pick up the bill for defending them. Denmark’s new defence plan therefore marks a significant win for Trump.
While Greenland’s prime minister Múte Egede has previously said “Greenland is not for sale,” he has acknowledged its strategic importance and welcomed U.S. business interest in areas like mining and tourism.
As the Arctic becomes a critical front in global geopolitics, the debate over Greenland’s future shows its growing significance on the world stage.
