The United States is preparing to reopen a Cold War-era military facility in southern Greenland and deploy troops to an eastern outpost currently operated by Danish forces, according to reports of a broad security agreement set to be signed Tuesday. The deal involves the governments of the United States, Denmark, and Greenland.
President Donald Trump announced last Friday that the agreement would provide the U.S. with “permanent control over security, and all other needs” in the Danish island territory. The specific locations identified are Narsarsuaq, which formerly hosted the Bluie West One base before its closure in the 1950s, and Mestersvig, a site used by the Sirius Patrol, a specialized Danish unit known for its dog sled operations.
Reuters reported on the details, citing unnamed sources, though full terms of the pact remain undisclosed. The finalization of the agreement may not occur until the three nations sign the documents at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Officials from the White House, Denmark, and Greenland did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The move comes amid longstanding efforts by Trump to secure greater U.S. influence over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory. In the past, the president has declined to rule out the use of military or economic coercion to acquire the island, a stance that has alarmed Greenlandic residents and created tension among NATO allies. Greenland has consistently maintained that it is not for sale, and the European Union formally rebuked Trump’s acquisition push earlier this year.
Despite the geopolitical friction, Trump indicated on Friday that he is satisfied with the new arrangement, claiming it addresses all U.S. concerns and will come at no financial cost to the American taxpayer.
My Danish friend says locals are worried about environmental impact. Hope the new pact includes strong protections.
Narsarsuaq was abandoned for a reason. Is the infrastructure actually viable for modern operations, or just symbolic?
How exactly is this zero cost to taxpayers? Military basing always comes with hidden expenses down the road.
Greenland said it isn’t for sale, but now the US has permanent defense control? Sounds like a backdoor purchase to me.
Great timing with Russia’s recent Arctic maneuvers. This strengthens NATO’s northern flank significantly.