Statements from U.S. or Danish government officials or reputable news outlets

Denmark Boosts Greenland Defense by $1.5 Billion Amid Trump's Purchase Desire, F-35 Upgrades Planned

Dec 24, 2024, 06:04 PM

Denmark has announced a significant increase in defense spending for Greenland, amounting to at least $1.5 billion (1.3 billion euros), following comments from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressing his desire to purchase the Arctic territory. The Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the timing of the announcement as an 'irony of fate,' coming shortly after Trump stated on Truth Social that U.S. ownership and control of Greenland was an 'absolute necessity.' The defense package includes the acquisition of two new patrol ships, two long-range drones, and two new sled dog teams, as well as funding to increase staffing at Arctic Command in Nuuk and to upgrade one of Greenland's main civilian airports to accommodate F-35 supersonic fighter aircraft. Denmark has not invested enough in the Arctic for many years, and now plans a stronger presence. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, hosts a major U.S. space facility and is strategically important due to its proximity to the shortest route to Europe and its significant mineral and oil reserves. Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede responded to Trump's comments by asserting that Greenland is 'not for sale,' though he emphasized the importance of remaining open to cooperation and trade with neighbors.