Greenland to receive increased security and fighter jets over the summer

The Greenlandic Government and the Ministry of Defense report increased presence on land, at sea and in the air. The security situation requires action, write Motzfeldt and Poulsen.

The defense forces in Greenland are ramping up their armaments over the summer with a number of initiatives. The Greenland Defense Ministry writes in a press release.

The purpose is described as strengthening the military presence in the Arctic and contributing to the security of Greenlandic communities.

Vivian Motzfeldt (S), Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greenland, states in the press release that the new measures are due to the security situation regarding Greenland.

Here is the armament of the defense

Special operations forces winter training and exercises related to critical infrastructure. Deployment of two helicopters (EH-101) to provide support for operational tasks. Deployment of a frigate to strengthen maritime task solving. Land guarding of critical infrastructure with the involvement of students from the Arctic Basic Training. Deployment of F-16 to Kangerlussuaq and patrolling on the west coast.

Source: Government

Source: Government

– The security situation requires that the Armed Forces train the ability to operate in and around Greenland, says Vivian Motzfeldt

She does not specify whether this refers to the American desire to take over the country, or whether it is generally about the Greenlandic desire for Denmark to increase its defense capabilities in Greenland.

Guarding, frigate and helicopter

Among the five new initiatives there will be a strengthening both on land, at sea and in the air.

On land, a guarding of critical infrastructure will be deployed, in which students from the Arctic Basic Training will be involved. In addition, special operations forces will be trained for the same in winter conditions. It is not specified what will be guarded, or whether there will be permanent soldiers around certain buildings.

A frigate will be deployed at sea, and then an unspecified number of F-16 aircraft will be deployed to Kangerlussuaq and patrol the west coast, as well as two helicopters for operational tasks. Again, the press release does not elaborate on why the F-16 aircraft will only be on the west coast, and what they will patrol for.

The Government of Greenland announces that events will be held for citizens where they can gain insight into the new initiatives. This will take place with an open frigate in Nuuk and an open hangar in Kangerlussuaq at a yet unknown time.

Close cooperation

Both Vivian Motzfeldt and the Danish Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen emphasize that the new armament has been carried out in close cooperation between the Greenlandic government and the Danish government.

– Since I became Minister of Defense, strengthening security in the Arctic has been a high priority for me, and I greatly appreciate the close cooperation I have with the Greenlandic government. The increased presence of the defense forces must be done with an eye to local conditions and the specific security policy challenges in Greenland, says Troels Lund Poulsen.

Vivian Motzfeldt similarly states:

– It has been a priority for the Government of Greenland to ensure local involvement, so that we as a population strengthen our contribution to the security of our country. I look forward to seeing the students at the Arctic Basic Education Program contribute to the task.

KNR is trying to get a comment from Vivian Motzfeldt.