US and Denmark Sign Defense Deal for Two New Military Bases in Greenland

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have signed a defense agreement allowing Washington to establish two new military bases in the Arctic territory. The deal, signed at the UN General Assembly in New York, amends and updates a 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the U.S. It also reaffirms Copenhagen's sovereignty over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory.

US President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. would "immediately begin the process of developing a large military presence in the appropriate locations." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the agreement "good for the U.S., Denmark and Greenland" and also for Europe and NATO, while Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen described it as a "win-win-win."

The new agreement permits the U.S. "to establish an additional Defence Area at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig." Narsarsuaq, located in southern Greenland, has deep-water access and a large runway. Mestersvig, in the east, is a more remote outpost. The specific details of these bases are subject to mutual agreement. The pact also allows the U.S. to "modernize and expand its activities" at its existing Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland.

The agreement stipulates that "no state that is not a member of Nato shall be allowed to establish its own manned or unmanned military installations in Greenland nor shall they be allowed a persistent presence of military forces in Greenland." It also confirmed that Greenland would remain in NATO if it were to gain independence from Denmark.

Trump had previously expressed interest in purchasing or annexing Greenland, citing national security concerns due to its strategic defense location and mineral wealth. His earlier rhetoric had drawn criticism. The agreement, however, focuses on enhancing the existing defense framework.

Frederiksen emphasized that the agreement "respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as Greenland's right to self-determination." Nielsen added that the deal "takes into account the people of Greenland, our rights, our livelihoods and the development of our country," noting Greenland's importance for North American and transatlantic security.

A NATO spokesperson welcomed the deal, stating it would "help advance security, stability and cooperation in this vital region."