Germany is set to deploy a small contingent of troops to Greenland this week, joining other European nations in a reconnaissance mission aimed at assessing the region’s security needs,
according to statements from the German government and defence ministry on Wednesday.
Thirteen German soldiers will arrive on Thursday as part of a joint European effort requested by Denmark, which retains sovereignty over the autonomous Arctic territory. The mission is scheduled to run through Saturday and will focus on evaluating potential military contributions to strengthen security in the strategically important region.
The German defence ministry said the assessment could include options such as enhanced maritime surveillance, reflecting growing concerns over activity in the Arctic as global competition intensifies.
The deployment comes against the backdrop of renewed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly argued in recent weeks that Greenland is critical to American national security. Trump has claimed the United States must control the island to prevent rivals such as Russia or China from expanding their influence in the Arctic.
Greenland, which is rich in minerals and occupies a key strategic position between North America and Europe, has increasingly drawn international attention as melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources.
Trump has insisted that “all options are on the table” when it comes to securing the territory, rhetoric that has unsettled European allies and further strained transatlantic relations. European leaders have firmly rejected any suggestion of U.S. ownership, emphasizing respect for Danish sovereignty and the importance of cooperation within existing alliances.
Germany’s participation in the reconnaissance mission underscores Europe’s intent to play a more active role in Arctic security as geopolitical tensions continue to rise in the region. Photo by SSGT MARIA J. LORENTE, USAF, Wikimedia commons.