US Sends Military Aircraft To Greenland As Denmark Boosts Troop Presence

The United States will deploy military aircraft to Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base as tensions rise over US President Donald Trump’s push to acquire the self-governing Danish territory.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) on Monday (local time) said its aircraft would soon arrive at the base, formerly known as Thule Air Force Base, as part of long-planned activities aimed at supporting routine operations to defend North America.

NORAD said the deployment builds on existing defence cooperation between the United States, Canada and Denmark, and has been coordinated with Copenhagen, with Greenland informed of the plans.

“All supporting forces are operating with the requisite diplomatic clearances,” NORAD said, adding that the aircraft

would support sustained and dispersed operations across its three regions — Alaska, Canada and the continental United States.

Pituffik Space Base, located in northwestern Greenland, is a key US military installation and communications hub, hosting a missile warning system critical to North American defence.

The US move comes as Denmark has also stepped up its military presence on the Arctic island. According to the Financial Times, several aircraft carrying Danish troops and military equipment landed in Greenland on Monday, adding to the more than 200 soldiers already stationed there. Danish defence forces said a substantial contingent of troops, along with the head of the country’s army, were deployed to Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq.

The troop deployment follows a multinational military exercise led by Danish forces over the weekend and comes amid heightened tensions after Trump declined to rule out using force to take control of Greenland. The US President has argued that Greenland is vital for American security, citing strategic concerns linked to Russia and China.

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aircraft will soon arrive at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland. Along with aircraft operating from bases in the continental United States and Canada, they will support various long-planned NORAD activities, building on the enduring…

— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) January 19, 2026

Trump’s stance has triggered sharp reactions across Europe. Germany and France have called for a clear European response to Washington’s threats to impose tariffs on countries opposing US plans for Greenland, while also urging de-escalation. European Union officials have warned that retaliatory measures could follow if the US proceeds with trade penalties.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he discussed the importance of the Arctic and Greenland’s role in collective security during a meeting with Denmark’s defence minister, noting Copenhagen’s efforts to invest in key defence capabilities in the region.

Denmark has said it is open to discussions on an increased US military presence in Greenland but has firmly rejected any transfer of sovereignty over the territory.