US to Establish Two New Military Bases in Greenland Under New Security Pact

In a significant move to reinforce its Arctic presence, the United States is set to open two military bases in Greenland under a new security agreement with Denmark and the local Greenlandic government. According to reports from Reuters, the pact is expected to be signed on Tuesday during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, though the full text of the deal has not yet been made public.

The agreement grants the US “permanent control” over Greenland’s security framework. President Donald Trump stated that the arrangement provides Washington with veto power to prevent adversary nations from establishing military facilities or making sensitive investments on the island without American approval. A US State Department official clarified that this effectively bars non-NATO countries from setting up bases or engaging in investments deemed threatening to US interests.

This development follows a period of intense diplomatic friction. The standoff began after Trump repeatedly suggested Washington intended to annex the autonomous Danish territory, citing its strategic Arctic location and valuable rare-earth mineral deposits. His rhetoric, which included refusing to rule out a military invasion, sparked fears among Greenlanders, who largely oppose US control according to polling data.

Tensions reached a peak in January when European NATO members began deploying additional troops to the island to demonstrate readiness and deter potential US aggression. Following discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump withdrew both the threat of invasion and previously announced 10 percent trade tariffs on eight European nations that had objected to the US acquisition attempts. He subsequently agreed to pursue a diplomatic settlement.

Under the newly finalized deal, the US will re-establish a base in Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland. The site, formerly known as Bluie West One and closed by the Americans in 1958, has seen its population decline to just a few dozen residents. Additionally, a second base will be established in Mestersvig, located on the east coast, which currently serves as a outpost for the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, a Danish special forces unit. Approximately 150 US troops remain permanently stationed at the Pituffik Space Base in the north, monitoring for missile threats.

Greenlandic and Danish officials have insisted that the agreement respects their sovereignty. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized that the deal recognizes the kingdom’s territorial integrity and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the accord as a binding agreement that strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while respecting Denmark’s “red lines.”

Reactions from global powers have been mixed. Russia stated it was not consulted on the matter, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noting that cooperation with the US and other Arctic states is currently not on the agenda. China has not issued a public comment. However, a NATO spokesperson expressed support, stating the alliance backs the deal as a step toward greater stability in the region.