US signs ‘tremendous’ Arctic security deal with Denmark, Greenland

The United States, Denmark and Greenland have signed a deal on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, granting Washington a greater military presence on the continent-sized Arctic island.

After years of tensions between the US and Denmark, which holds sovereignty over the autonomous and resource-rich territory of Greenland, Tuesday’s agreement resolves a key point of contention among Western transatlantic allies. It is set to expand a longstanding US presence just as great-power competition with Russia and China heats up.

“This is tremendous for Europe and for the United States and for everybody,” US President Donald Trump said before signing the agreement. “And for Greenland, it’s going to be incredible.”

Addressing the UNGA earlier on Tuesday, Trump said the US would “immediately begin the process of developing a large military presence in the appropriate locations”, including “building two very major military bases”.

The agreement allows Washington to “modernise and expand” its activities at the Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland. Bases will be established at Narsarsuaq in the south and Mestersvig in the east with the option to “establish additional defense areas” and expand operations.

It also permits US aircraft to fly over and land anywhere in Greenland, including its territorial waters while also granting “undersea access”.

No non-NATO country will be allowed to set up military installations or a “persistent” military presence in Greenland without unanimous approval by Denmark, Greenland and the US. The agreement also bars investors from “sensitive sectors” outside NATO and the European Union.

The accord does not have an end date. If Greenland becomes independent, it will remain in NATO and assume Denmark’s obligations under the deal.