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By Hollie Silverman
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Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Canada are sending troops to Greenland amid continued threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to annex the territory, multiple outlets reported.
Trump said anything less than U.S. control of Greenland would be "unacceptable" in a warning to NATO allies about Arctic security ahead of a White House meeting with Denmark on Wednesday. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the strategically important island, which is a semiautonomous Danish territory.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a post on X that several officers from the Swedish Armed Forces will arrive in Greenland on Wednesday.
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"They are part of a group from several allied countries. Together, they will prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance," Kristersson said. "It is at Denmark's request that Sweden is sending personnel from the Armed Forces."
A government spokesperson for Germany also confirmed to Reuters that soldiers would be sent to Greenland on Thursday. The country is expected to deploy over a dozen reconnaissance troops, according to the report.
Troops from the Netherlands and Canada are also expected to deploy to the territory, Politico reported.
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Why It Matters
Germany and other NATO allies deploying military personnel to Greenland underscores rising transatlantic tensions triggered by Trump's repeated demands that the U.S. assume control of the strategically significant island.
The escalating row over Greenland threatens to undermine the unity of NATO—an alliance based upon collective defense and cooperation—while exposing deep divisions between Washington and European capitals on the extent and legitimacy of the United States' global ambitions.
Why Is Germany Sending Troops to Greenland?
Germany’s Defense Ministry stated its involvement is in direct response to a Danish request to demonstrate unity and strengthen regional security.
The ministry said the deployment is meant to "bolster the security of the region" and that the current mission will focus on reconnaissance, with planned maritime surveillance activities, Reuters reported.
European leaders have framed the deployments as acts of political solidarity with Denmark as it faces U.S. pressure, underscoring NATO’s relevance in the Arctic.
What Other Countries are Deploying Troops to Greenland?
Sweden, Canada, and the Netherlands have confirmed deployments as part of the same multinational operation. Kristersson said troops would arrive in Greenland on Wednesday as part of a group from "several allied countries."
French involvement has also been confirmed by diplomats, although not formally announced by the French Defense Ministry, Politico reported.
Defense ministries in other nations, including the United Kingdom and Norway, have discussed possible participation but have not yet confirmed troop deployments.
Why Does Donald Trump Want Greenland?
Trump has insisted that U.S. control over Greenland is essential for American national security, specifically citing the need for new missile defense capabilities and warning against potential Russian or Chinese influence.
In a Truth Social post on January 14, Trump said, "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security," calling it "vital" for the "Golden Dome" missile defense system.
Trump has expanded on these arguments in previous statements, warning that failure to annex Greenland could expose it to adversaries.
Trump has stated, “One way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland,” and has not ruled out the use of military force, escalating fears of a possible conflict between NATO allies.
Does Denmark Control Greenland?
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While it has held broad autonomy since 1979, including its own government and parliament, foreign policy and defense remain under Copenhagen’s authority.
Both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly rejected any suggestion of transferring sovereignty to the United States.
"Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is for Greenlanders alone to decide," the Danish government said in a recent statement.
Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said at a press conference, "If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark."
What People Are Saying
**President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday: "**The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON’T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent - Not even close! They know that, and so do I. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT"
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a post on X on Wednesday: "Several officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today. They are part of a group from several allied countries. Together, they will prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance. It is at Denmark's request that Sweden is sending personnel from the Armed Forces."
The Danish Government said on its website on Wednesday: "Security policy tensions have spread to the Arctic. The Government of Greenland and the Ministry of Defence have therefore decided to continue the Armed Forces' increased exercise activity in Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies. This means that from today there will be an increased military presence in and around Greenland – in close cooperation with NATO allies. The purpose is to train the ability to operate in the peculiar Arctic conditions and to strengthen the Alliance's footprint in the Arctic for the benefit of both European and transatlantic security."
What Happens Next
Diplomatic tensions continue as U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials meet to discuss Arctic security.
The troop deployments are expected to continue in the short term as part of ongoing joint exercises.
Update 1/14/26, 3:13 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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