Denmark-Led 'Operation Arctic Endurance' Exercise
"Confronting U.S. Threats While Addressing Security Criticism"
After the trilateral meeting between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland held on January 14 (local time) to discuss the issue of Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, ended without any clear results, Denmark and major European countries immediately dispatched troops to Greenland. While they stated that this was part of the "Operation Arctic Endurance" exercise to defend key facilities in Greenland, some interpret it as a form of military demonstration, considering that the United States has even mentioned the possibility of military action for the annexation of Greenland.
On January 15, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen commented on the previous day's White House meeting, saying, "It was not an easy meeting," and added, "There are fundamental disagreements, and President Donald Trump's ambition to annex Greenland remains unchanged."
She further stated, "Of course, this is a serious matter, and therefore, we will continue our efforts to prevent such a scenario from becoming a reality."
The trilateral meeting at the White House the previous day, chaired by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, ended without reaching an agreement. Although Denmark and Greenland managed to buy some time to resolve the situation diplomatically by agreeing to form a working group to address the differences, they began dispatching troops, including ships and aircraft, to Greenland immediately after the meeting ended.
The Danish Ministry of Defense explained that this troop reinforcement is a measure to train operational capabilities in the unique environment of the Arctic, strengthen allied activities in the Arctic, and enhance security in Europe and the Arctic region. Troels Lund Poulsen, Danish Minister of Defense, told the public broadcaster DR, "The goal is to establish a more permanent military presence in Greenland."
The Danish military stated that this exercise includes guarding essential infrastructure, supporting the local police and autonomous government, accommodating allied forces, deploying fighter jets in and around Greenland, and conducting maritime operations.
France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands-European NATO member states neighboring Denmark-also participated by sending small contingents. This move is seen as supporting Denmark, which is under pressure from the United States, a key member of NATO.
According to Reuters, Germany sent 13 reconnaissance troops to Greenland on the morning of the same day to participate in "Operation Arctic Endurance." France dispatched 15 mountain warfare specialists to Greenland. French President Emmanuel Macron announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the French military's advance team is heading to Greenland and that additional troops will follow.
Sweden sent three officers, Norway sent two officers, and one British officer also joined the reconnaissance mission. The Netherlands announced it would dispatch one naval officer as well.
However, European diplomats told the Financial Times (FT) that this measure is not a response to President Trump's threats regarding Greenland. They explained that the intent is to demonstrate that Denmark and other countries are serious about Arctic security, an issue that the United States has raised concerns about.
Mark Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, explained that the deployment of European troops to Greenland is intended to send two messages to the Trump administration. First, it serves as a deterrent, showing that Europe is prepared to confront any military action against Greenland. Second, it signals that Europe is taking seriously the U.S. criticism that it has neglected to protect Greenland against threats from China and Russia.
On the same day, Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen reiterated on his Facebook page, "Greenland does not want to be ruled or owned by the United States and will remain part of the Denmark and NATO alliance," adding, "Now is not the time for internal disputes, but a time for unity, composure, and responsibility to closely monitor the situation and defend Greenland."
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