Denmark has now reportedly announced its intention to begin a military buildup in Greenland.
The Danish defense minister characterized the announcement of a significant new package to enhance the security of Greenland as “ironic” in light of the fact that it was made just two days after President-elect Trump called for U.S. ownership of the Arctic island.
According to Troels Lund Poulsen, the Danish Defense Minister, Copenhagen intends to allocate approximately $1.5 billion toward the new defense package, as reported by the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten on Tuesday.
Poulsen clarified that the package was premeditated and that it was “ironic” that it was implemented concurrently with Trump’s request for island control.
Additionally, he stated that Denmark was prepared to “collaborate with the United States” in order to protect Greenland.
According to Jyllands-Posten, the package comprises two Thetis-class patrol vessels, two long-range drones, two sled dog teams, and additional Danish military personnel stationed in Greenland.
On Sunday, Trump stated in a Truth Social post that the ownership and control of Greenland by the United States was a “absolute necessity” for national security reasons.
Additionally, during his initial tenure, Trump advocated for the acquisition of Greenland, which resulted in heightened tensions between Washington and Copenhagen.
“In a Facebook post on Monday, Prime Minister Mute Egede of Greenland responded to Trump with defiance.”
Greenland is a self-governing region; however, it remains under the jurisdiction of Denmark, which is responsible for foreign policy, security, and defense.
The Arctic is a significant area of national security for the United States, as it seeks to counter the increasing influence of Russia and China in a region that is becoming increasingly accessible as a result of the melting of ice and the establishment of new pathways.
Additionally, the United States is collaborating with Arctic allies such as Canada and Finland to construct additional patrol ships capable of navigating the region.
This week, the Coast Guard announced that the first new heavy polar icebreaker in over five decades had been approved for construction.
Denmark is a member of the Western Security Alliance (NATO) and a partner of the United States in the Arctic region.
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