Denmark is planning to spend 14.6 billion kroner (£1.6 billion or $2.05 billion) to improve security in the Arctic, along with its territories Greenland and the Faroe Islands. This plan includes buying three new Arctic ships, adding more long-range drones, and boosting satellite capabilities.

Denmark’s Defense Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, emphasized the growing security challenges in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

The decision follows US President Donald Trump’s repeated desire to acquire Greenland, an island that, while largely self-governing, is still part of Denmark. When asked if he might use military or economic pressure to take Greenland, Trump said he couldn’t rule it out.

Greenland, home to about 56,000 mostly indigenous Inuit people, is important to the US because of its strategic location between North America and Europe.

The US has had a military presence in Greenland since World War II. Lately, the island’s valuable natural resources, including rare earth minerals and uranium, have sparked more interest.

Greenland’s Independence and Foreign Affairs Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, welcomed Denmark’s new defense spending as a step towards improving security.

Greenland’s government has made it clear that the territory is not for sale, and Denmark’s Prime Minister has stated that Greenland should decide its own future.

Trump’s push for Greenland has faced criticism, with European countries advising him not to threaten the island.

According to BBC, Denmark’s recent move and the US’s interest in Greenland highlight the tensions and shifting security dynamics in the Arctic region.

Credit : BBC

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly5661xd3no

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