New agreement strengthens the presence of the Danish Defence in the Arctic and North Atlantic region

Capabilities such as three new Arctic naval vessels, further long-range drones and satellites are some of the initiatives covered by the agreement on the Arctic and North Atlantic region. The agreement was concluded between the Danish Government and the political parties behind the Danish Defence Agreement in close collaboration with the Greenlandic Government and the Faroese Government.

The parties have also agreed on negotiating a second agreement on this issue in the first half of 2025. 

“We must face the fact that there are serious challenges regarding security and defence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. For this reason, we must strengthen our presence in the region. That is the objective of this agreement, which paves the way for further initiatives already this year,” says Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.

”Greenland is facing a changing security landscape. I am pleased with the steps we are taking towards increased security in and around Greenland with this partial defence agreement.  Naalakkersuisut is looking forward to continuing the dialogue with the Government of Denmark” says Vivian Motzfeldt, Minister of Statehood and Foreign Affairs.

The parties behind the agreement aim to improve capabilities for surveillance and maintaining sovereignty in the region. At the same time, support to Allies and NATO’s efforts in the Arctic and North Atlantic is essential to strengthening overall security and defence. Overall, the initiatives entail a financial commitment of 14,6 billion Danish kroner.  

Among other things, the initiatives include:

New Arctic naval vessels

• Three new arctic naval vessels will ensure that tasks around Greenland may be carried out more effectively and with greater flexibility. The ships will be able to carry other capabilities with them such as helicopters and drones.

Long-range drones

• Two long-range drones with the ability to conduct surveillance over large areas at great distances and provide detailed surveillance.

Improved situational awareness and intelligence

• Satellite capacity and ground-based sensors will strengthen situational awareness and intelligence by identifying and surveying activities in areas such as the Arctic and North Atlantic.

Increased admission to the Arctic basic military training

• The agreement makes it possible for an increased number of young people in Greenland to acquire important skills allowing them to take responsibility for preparedness.

The agreement is the first step towards strengthening defence and security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. A second agreement is foreseen to be concluded in the first half of 2025 focusing on strengthening deterrence and defence in the region.

The Agreement strengthens societal resilience  

Ensuring that investments through the agreement can provide support for local workplaces and businesses in the Faroe Islands and in Greenland will be a focal point throughout the implementation of the agreement.

The parties agree that it is vital for the initiatives to have a positive effect in the Faroes Islands and Greenland to the greatest possible extent, thereby strengthening the resilience of civil society. This implies among other things that the capacities provided for by the agreement must strengthen the ability of the Danish Defence to support the police, the emergency management agency and other civil agencies in their tasks.

Furthermore, the parties agree to strengthen cooperation on intelligence and research and to upgrade the facilities of the Joint Arctic Command in Nuuk. This will allow the Danish Defence to operate under improved security conditions and to work on an increasing number of tasks related to surveillance, maintaining sovereignty, support for Allies, as well as search and rescue in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

“It is essential that the strengthened efforts in the Arctic and North Atlantic are carried out in close cooperation with the Faroe Islands and Greenland in order for the initiatives to be rooted in local communities and have a positive impact on civil society. That is what we will achieve with this agreement”, says Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen. 

Read more about the Joint Artic Command here.