Denmark has made a notable decision by not inviting the U.S. military to participate with units in the Arctic Light 2025, which is set to be the largest military exercise ever held in Greenland’s modern history. This move comes at a time when NATO allies are strengthening their defense cooperation in the Arctic region, amidst growing U.S. interest in the island. Soren Andersen, Denmark’s Arctic commander, confirmed this decision, clarifying that while U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received an invitation, no U.S. military units were included in the exercise’s participant list.
Andersen explained to Reuters that the collaboration with U.S. personnel is confined to their counterparts at the Pituffik Space Base, without extending to military units for the exercise. Despite this, the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen emphasized the ongoing strong military cooperation between the U.S. and the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as other Arctic allies, noting that the absence in this particular drill does not reflect a broader trend. Independent military analyst Hans Peter Michaelsen suggested that the exercise carries significant political undertones, aiming to demonstrate Denmark’s leadership and capability in managing Greenland alongside other major NATO countries.
Political Implications and Defense Preparations
Michaelsen posited that Arctic Light 2025 is designed to reassure the U.S. that Denmark is capable of safeguarding Greenland with the support of other key NATO allies. However, Andersen downplayed these interpretations, insisting that the exercise was not aimed at sending any particular message to Washington. The exercise, scheduled to take place from September 9 to 19, will involve over 550 soldiers, including special forces from Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. This significant troop deployment highlights the seriousness with which these nations approach Arctic security.
Denmark is contributing a frigate, helicopters, and F-16 fighter jets to the exercise, while France is providing a naval vessel, an air refuelling tanker aircraft, and a drone unit. This military preparedness is in response to the potential threats posed by increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Andersen stated that the exercise aims to prepare for such scenarios, and the U.S. embassy spokesperson welcomed these efforts by NATO allies to ensure readiness in defending the Arctic interests.
Background and U.S. Involvement in Greenland
The decision to exclude U.S. military units from the exercise comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions and complicated relations between Denmark and the U.S. since U.S. President Donald Trump‘s controversial comments about acquiring Greenland and critiquing Denmark’s defense efforts. Relations further deteriorated this year due to Trump’s refusal to rule out using force to take control of Greenland, prompting Denmark to summon the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen over allegations of covert influence operations by U.S. citizens in Greenland.
The U.S., which operated 17 bases in Greenland during the Cold War, currently maintains a permanent presence only at the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. The U.S. embassy spokesperson highlighted that, although not participating with units in Arctic Light 2025, the U.S. continues to value its strategic position and presence in Greenland. This exercise underscores Denmark’s increased defense investment and military activity in the semi-autonomous territory, reflecting the evolving geopolitical landscape and the strategic importance of the Arctic region.
Source: Reuters
