France is increasing its Arctic presence by deploying military forces to Greenland. This decision comes as France has become the largest NATO member to participate in a series of joint exercises, as tensions increase on the geopolitical stage. Virtually “Operation Arctic Endurance” has just begun. This new initiative represents NATO’s vigorous dedication to protecting the Arctic, as concerns on Russian and Chinese ambitions in the region continue to grow.
Denmark and its allies are keen to demonstrate to U.S. President Donald Trump that they haven’t ignored Arctic security. Unfortunately for Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, that was the subject of an uncomfortable recent meeting with U.S. diplomats in Washington. She raised alarm bells about America’s goals with respect to Greenland. She remarked, “the American ambition to take over [Greenland]” is a fundamental disagreement that needs to be addressed.
Greenlandic Deputy Prime Minister Múte B. Egede just shared a thrilling update. Thousands more soldiers, including additional military flights and ships, are expected in the coming days. This military accumulation is a reflection of the seriousness with which Denmark and their partners must now protect the region from outside threats.
Though Denmark has made a big commitment in developing new Arctic capabilities, other NATO members are not as enthusiastic about sending troops to the extreme conditions. At the time, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk ruled out sending Polish troops to Greenland. He issued a very strong and unequivocal warning against any U.S. intervention in the region. He warned that it would result in “the end of the world as we know it.”
The changing dynamics in the Arctic have recently highlighted the increasing interests from global actors. The Russian embassy in Belgium has expressed serious concerns about NATO’s military activities, accusing the alliance of “building up its military presence there under the false pretext of a growing threat from Moscow and Beijing.”
Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized that the intent behind Operation Arctic Endurance is to “establish a more permanent military presence” in Greenland. Now NATO has built up a robust consensus around the need for a more muscular military posture in the Arctic. This transition is key to maximizing both European and transatlantic security initiatives.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of French troops to the exercises, at Denmark’s request. He stated, “The first French military elements are already en route. Others will follow.” Macron is expected to announce further specifics about this military venture today. He is expected to do this in his usual New Year’s greetings to French armed forces.
The Danish Prime Minister highlighted the cooperative nature of this initiative, stating, “We must continue our efforts to prevent this scenario from becoming a reality.” The collaboration among NATO allies, including the rotation of countries coming in and out of Greenland, aims to ensure that they are prepared for any potential threats.
And speaking of the military, a huge military exercise has just begun in Greenland. Denmark’s decision to increase its Arctic presence indicates a formidable commitment to regional security. The defence and protection of Greenland would be viewed as a collective interest of the whole NATO alliance.