Denmark to expand Greenland patrols as Trump eyes control

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 10:48

The use of sled dogs for patrols in Greenland dates back to World War II, with these patrols forming a specialized unit of the Royal Danish Navy.

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Homes are illuminated after the sunset in Tasiilaq, Greenland, on Friday, August 16, 2019. (AP)

Denmark’s government has proposed purchasing two new Arctic inspection vessels and increasing dog sled patrols to strengthen its military presence in Greenland, as US President-elect Donald Trump continues to express interest in the island, local media reported.

The proposal also includes upgrading the airport in Kangerlussuaq, a former US military base in western Greenland, to accommodate F-35 fighter jets, as reported by broadcasters DR and TV2 on Friday.

Denmark has already allocated $400 million to enhance surveillance and intelligence capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic, including long-range drones. Trump reiterated his interest this week in securing control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Arctic territory of Denmark, which he considers crucial to US security.

While Denmark is responsible for Greenland’s defense and security, its military presence on the island is limited. Currently, it consists of four aging inspection vessels, a Challenger surveillance plane, and 12 dog sled patrols, tasked with monitoring an area four times the size of France. The use of sled dogs for patrols in Greenland dates back to World War II, with these patrols forming a specialized unit of the Royal Danish Navy.

Defense spending talks

After years of significant defense cuts, Denmark allocated 190 billion Danish crowns ($26 billion) last year for its military over the next decade, with some of the funds earmarked for the Arctic. Danish lawmakers began discussions on Friday about how to allocate these funds, with a focus on Greenland’s defense needs.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed his intention to inform Trump about Denmark’s "massive" military buildup since his previous term as president. However, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen acknowledged on Thursday that essential military investments had been "neglected for many years." Poulsen stated last month that more resources should be directed toward Denmark’s military presence in the Arctic but did not provide specifics.

"The US concerns are real, and there are some very concrete, huge problems in relation to Greenland," said retired Navy commander and defense analyst Jens Wenzel Kristoffersen. "The US needs to feel safe in this area, and if Denmark doesn't do something about this, then they will have to deal with it themselves."

The US military maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which is crucial for its ballistic missile early-warning system. The base’s strategic location is vital, as the shortest route from Europe to North America passes over the island. However, the US embassy in Copenhagen clarified on Thursday that there were no plans to increase the US military presence in Greenland.