Britain has dispatched a military officer to Greenland as Denmark reinforces its military (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Britain has dispatched a single military officer to Greenland as Denmark reinforces its military footprint in the Arctic and High North regions, following persistent demands from US President Donald Trump for American control of the territory.
On Wednesday, Denmark’s Defence Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, announced the joint operation would include multiple allied nations , cautioning that “no one can predict what will happen tomorrow”.
Number 10 acknowledged that a single UK military officer had been sent at Denmark’s behest to participate in a reconnaissance team in preparation for the forthcoming Arctic Endurance exercise.
A Downing Street spokesman stated: “We share President Trump’s concern about the security of the High North. And you see this as part of Nato and JEF nations stepping up to reinforce security in the High North,” adding: “Stepping up with stronger exercising, to deter the Russian aggression and the Chinese activity.”
Berlin, Stockholm, Oslo, and Paris have all committed personnel to the collaborative mission, which seeks to chart enhanced cooperation for strengthening regional security and “strengthen our ability to operate in the area,” according to Denmark’s Ministry of Defence.
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The heightened security worries emerge alongside renewed pressure from Mr Trump, who has persistently argued that America must acquire Greenland to prevent Moscow or Beijing from seizing control of the strategically vital territory. The administration has gone as far as threatening military action to seize Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory and Nato ally, raising alarm bells about the stability of transatlantic relations.
Following America’s public discussions about annexing Greenland at the beginning of 2026, Britain has intensified conversations surrounding Arctic defence, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressing the matter in recent telephone discussions with Mr Trump, Denmark’s prime minister and Nato’s secretary-general.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that his nation would be taking part in the combined military exercise.
“At the request of Denmark, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland, Operation Arctic Endurance,” he wrote on X.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper meets crew onboard the Coast Guard ship K/V Turva in Helsinki (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“The first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow.”
During her Scandinavian visit, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has committed to enhancing Arctic protection.
Before departing, she stated: “Britain is stepping up on Arctic security. With our allies we are working to strengthen Arctic defences and deter any attempts from the likes of Vladimir Putin to threaten our interests and our infrastructure.”
She continued: “We see it as our responsibility and our duty to tackle these challenges head on, making us all safer in the process.
“Arctic security is a critical transatlantic partnership issue for the security of Britain and Nato. Coming together as an alliance allows us to unify and tackle this emerging threat.”
Danish representatives have agreed to establish a working group following Wednesday’s discussions in Washington with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio, notwithstanding a “fundamental disagreement” regarding a potential American acquisition of the territory.
