Denmark is strengthening its defense in Greenland following statements made by Trump.
The Danish government has announced a significant increase in defense spending for Greenland. This decision was made after the elected U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to acquire this Arctic territory.
This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing BBC.
As noted by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, the defense package amounts to a "double-digit billion sum" in crowns, or at least $1.5 billion.
He described the timing of the announcement as "ironic," as just yesterday Trump stated that ownership and control of the vast island is an "absolute necessity" for the U.S.
It is highlighted that Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, is home to a major American space facility and holds strategic significance for the U.S. due to its position on the shortest route to Europe. It also possesses substantial mineral and oil reserves.
According to Poulsen, this package will allow for the purchase of two new inspection vessels, two new long-range drones, and two additional dog sled teams.
It also includes funding for an increase in personnel for Arctic Command in the capital Nuuk and the modernization of one of Greenland's three main civilian airports to accommodate supersonic F-35 fighter jets.
The minister did not specify the exact amount, but Danish media estimated it to be around 12-15 billion crowns (at least $1.6 billion).
"We have not invested enough in the Arctic for many years; now we plan to strengthen our presence," Poulsen noted.
Trump's Statement
Recall that elected U.S. President Donald Trump recently spoke again about the purchase of Greenland and threatened to restore American control over the Panama Canal.
"For the sake of national security and freedom worldwide, the United States believes that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity," he stated.
For more details on what lies behind Trump's "plans" regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal, read in the article RBK-Ukraine.