By Burak Bir
LONDON (AA) - Denmark will strengthen its military presence in Greenland and expand joint exercises with NATO allies as part of a broader effort to increase alliance responsibility for security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, according to the Danish Defense Ministry.
In written comments sent to Anadolu, a spokesperson for the Danish Defense Ministry said there is a shared understanding among Denmark and its allies that NATO "must assume greater responsibility" for security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.
"We will therefore strengthen our military presence in Greenland and work closely with NATO allies to ensure a more permanent presence and more joint exercises in the Arctic," said the spokesperson.
The ministry's comments came as several European countries announced they are sending military officers to Greenland, as Germany, Sweden, Norway, France and the UK said earlier this week that those deployments are made at Denmark's request to join a reconnaissance group, ahead of a planned Arctic Endurance exercise.
For the ministry, this is a natural continuation of the increased presence and exercise activity that they initiated in 2025.
"The purpose of deploying soldiers and capabilities to Greenland is to continue our existing efforts to train the NATO alliance’s ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions," said the spokesperson.
Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has attracted US interest due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources, as well as alleged concerns about rising Russian and Chinese activity.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the US must acquire Greenland for national security and to prevent Russia or China from gaining control of the territory.
Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.
On Saturday, Trump said that Washington will impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland from Feb. 1, rising to 25% in June until there's a deal for "the complete and total purchase of Greenland."
In response, European leaders have rejected Trump's tariff threats against the eight European nations over Greenland and reiterated solidarity with Denmark.