Denmark's armed forces chief Michael Wiggers expresses no doubts about Greenland's security in an interview, despite threats from US President Donald Trump. He outlines plans for Arctic rearmament and praises cooperation with allies like the Bundeswehr. Denmark emphasizes its sovereignty and strengthens its military presence.
In an interview in Brussels, Denmark's armed forces chief Michael Wiggers states he had "no doubts at any time regarding the security of Greenland," including against main adversaries Russia and China. Greenland is six times the size of Germany, making surveillance the biggest challenge. Denmark massively increased investments and military capacities in the Arctic last year, including new satellite programs and unmanned aircraft. Rearmament requires a long-term strategy: "Rearmament does not happen overnight." Wiggers urges NATO to focus more on the Arctic, with operations and exercises. As a NATO member, Denmark is obligated to protect Greenland, and defense is a joint task with the US.
Recently, Denmark deployed troops to Greenland with live ammunition, as reported by Danmarks Radio. The order allows shooting at hostile foreign soldiers if necessary to protect against a coup or invasion. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen remains silent on details: "These are confidential information." The deployment was accelerated due to a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stresses it is for training under Arctic conditions, not against the US. Professor Sten Rynning sees a deterrent character in it.
Operation "Arctic Endurance" will run throughout 2026 with NATO partners like Germany, France, and Sweden. Patrol flights with F-35 jets along the east coast are planned. After a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, Frederiksen stated unity on greater engagement in the Arctic. In Nuuk, she discusses with regional leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen negotiations on the 1951 US military agreement, which Washington wants to revise, possibly for the "Golden Dome." Denmark signals diplomacy but maintains red lines: "We will of course not give up our sovereignty." Wiggers praises the Bundeswehr: Germany is a reliable partner, and 15 soldiers recently assessed options on site. Joint exercises are to be deepened.