European Military Forces Deploy to Greenland Amid US Interest

Fri Jan 16 2026 09:05:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A small contingent of European military personnel arrives in Greenland as tensions rise over the Arctic territory, with US President Trump reiterating the need for Greenland in national security discussions.

European NATO allies have begun deploying military personnel to Nuuk, Greenland, amid increasing US claims over the territory. The limited deployment from countries such as France, Germany, and the UK aims to send a political message about NATO presence in the Arctic. Meanwhile, President Trump maintains that US control of Greenland is vital for national security, despite Copenhagen's resistance to his acquisition plans.

A small French military contingent has arrived in Greenland's capital Nuuk, officials say, as several European states deploy small numbers in a so-called reconnaissance mission.

The limited deployment, which also involves Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK, comes as US President Donald Trump continues to press his claim to the Arctic island, which is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the initial contingent would be reinforced soon with land, air, and sea assets.

Senior diplomat Olivier Poivre d'Arvor saw the mission as sending a strong political signal: This is a first exercise... we'll show the US that NATO is present.

Poivre d'Arvor said the initial French deployment involved 15 people shortly after Denmark and Greenland's foreign ministers traveled to Washington for a meeting with US Vice-President JD Vance on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that while the talks were constructive, a fundamental disagreement remained about Trump's bid to buy Greenland.

Trump reiterated his claim, emphasizing Greenland's importance to US national security and hinted at possible force, but remained hopeful for a resolution with Denmark.

House speaker Karoline Leavitt asserted that the deployment of additional forces would not impact Trump's approach towards Greenland.

Although Poland plans to avoid military involvement, its Prime Minister warned against any US military intervention as it could lead to a political disaster.

Russia's embassy expressed concerns over NATO's actions in the Arctic, suggesting that the military buildup is unwarranted.

European nations' deployments include only a few dozen personnel as part of Operation Arctic Endurance, part of Danish-led joint exercises. The duration of their stay remains uncertain.

Germany has sent a transport plane to Nuuk with a contingent of 13 soldiers, who will remain there for a short period as NATO efforts aim to solidify territorial defenses amid transitioning geopolitical landscapes.

The Danish government has confirmed plans for a more permanent military presence on the island, establishing a rotation for allied forces.

Despite assurances of defensive strategies, Denmark disputed the rationale behind Trump's desire for Greenland, while Greenland's leaders expressed a clear preference for maintaining ties with Denmark over US governance.