Denmark sends conscripts to Greenland, signalling aim to boost Arctic defences
For the first time in recent history, Danish conscripts have been deployed to Greenland, as Denmark moves to bolster its presence in the Arctic after US demands to acquire the territory.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly sought to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish island, citing national security concerns and accusing Copenhagen of neglecting Arctic defence. Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea.
The conscripts are part of the first cohort under Denmark’s new extended conscription programme, aimed at producing soldiers able to operate in one of the kingdom’s most strategically important and challenging regions.
“It shows presence that we’re here and not just thinking of our own skin. And also thinking of the people in Greenland,” 19-year-old conscript David said.
Copenhagen has pledged billions of dollars to strengthen Arctic defences after Denmark’s defence minister acknowledged years of underinvestment in the region.
“Of course, we are a part of a bigger picture of the strategic communication about Greenland, but our role here is just to continue the training of the conscripts, the soldiers, and get more experience with the training in the Arctic terrain and climate,” company commander Captain Laura Jepsen said.
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