European Troops Rush To Greenland To ‘Bolster Defenses’ Amid Trump’s Bid To Purchase Territory

Troops from several European countries landed in Greenland on Thursday for a fast-moving, two-day mission aimed at tightening security on the Arctic island as Washington pushes to bring the territory under U.S. control.

France, Germany, Sweden and Norway are taking part in the deployment, Fox News has learned. Officials said the goal is to show NATO allies can move forces in “quickly” when needed.

Germany sent a 13-person reconnaissance team, France deployed 15 mountain warfare specialists, and Sweden, Norway and Britain contributed three, two and one officers, respectively, according to Reuters.

“The geopolitical tensions have spread to the Arctic. The Government of Greenland, and the Danish Ministry of Defense have therefore decided to continue the Danish Armed Forces’ increased exercise activity in Greenland, in close cooperation with NATO allies,” the Danish Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

“From today, there will be an expanded military presence in and around Greenland — in close cooperation with NATO allies. The purpose is to train the ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions and to strengthen the alliance’s footprint in the Arctic, benefiting both European and transatlantic security,” the ministry added.

The buildup comes as President Donald Trump has openly pressed for the United States to acquire the Danish territory, citing its strategic location and natural resources.

The Danish military said the expanded presence will include aircraft, ships and troops from Denmark and NATO partners.

“As part of the increased presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, the Danish Armed Forces are, from today, deploying capabilities and units related to the exercise activities. In the period ahead, this will result in an increased military presence in and around Greenland, comprising aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from NATO allies,” the ministry said.

It added that the 2026 exercises could involve protecting critical infrastructure, assisting local authorities and police, receiving allied troops, deploying fighter jets and conducting naval operations.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed his country’s role, writing on X that “some officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today” as part of a multinational team supporting Denmark’s Operation Arctic Endurance.

“They are part of a group from several allied countries. Together they will prepare upcoming steps within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance. It is at the request of Denmark that Sweden is sending personnel from the Armed Forces,” Kristersson said.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned Thursday that Washington has not backed off its ambitions.

“The American ambition to take over Greenland is intact,” she told Reuters. “That is of course serious, and therefore we continue our efforts to prevent this scenario becoming a reality.”

The diplomatic push continued in Washington on Wednesday, when Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance at the White House.

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