NATO allies send small number of troops to Greenland for joint drill as US pushes annexation talks

Several NATO member states are deploying small contingents of troops to Greenland for a joint military exercise, as diplomatic tensions continue over renewed US interest in taking control of the Arctic territory.

Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s defense, confirmed that personnel from Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway will participate in the exercise, known as Operation Arctic Endurance, reports CNBC. The deployments come days after senior officials from Denmark and Greenland met US leaders in Washington for talks that failed to resolve disagreements over Greenland’s future.

The meeting at the White House brought Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt together with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen later described the discussion as “frank but constructive,” while acknowledging a “fundamental disagreement” remained.

Despite agreeing to form a high-level working group to continue discussions, officials from all three sides left Washington without a breakthrough. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the US ambition to take over Greenland remains unchanged. President Donald Trump backed his position, telling reporters from the Oval Office that Greenland is necessary for US national security.

Ahead of the talks, Denmark announced plans to expand its military presence in and around Greenland. Officials said activities tied to the exercise could include protection of critical infrastructure, naval patrols, and air operations.

Germany’s Defense Ministry confirmed it will send a 13-member reconnaissance team to Nuuk from Thursday through Saturday to assess potential future contributions, including maritime surveillance. France will also take part, with President Emmanuel Macron confirming that initial French military elements are already en route.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said several Swedish officers arrived on Wednesday to assist with planning future phases of the Danish-led exercise. Norwegian participation was also confirmed.

Frederiksen said multiple NATO allies are now actively involved in Greenland’s defense and emphasized that security in the Arctic is a shared alliance responsibility. She has previously warned that any US attack on Greenland would undermine NATO itself.