The United States is preparing to open two new military bases to increase its troop presence in Greenland under a new security agreement with Denmark and Greenland, as the Arctic emerges as a vital strategic area for global powers.
The U.S. plans to open two military bases in Greenland: reopening the former base at Narsarsuaq in the south and establishing forces in Mestersvig on the east coast, currently home to Denmark’s Special Forces Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, according to three sources familiar with the details.
Sources said the three parties—the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland—are scheduled to sign a new agreement in New York during the United Nations General Assembly on 22 September. However, details of the agreement have not been disclosed and may change before the official signing.
Narsarsuaq was the site of the U.S. Blue West One base during the Cold War, which was closed in the 1950s; today, the area has only a few dozen residents. Mestersvig remains a military operational base used by Denmark’s Sirius Dog Sled Patrol.
Denmark stated that the new agreement will place Arctic security under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) framework rather than being a bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Denmark alone. The Danish and Greenlandic governments confirmed the agreement respects Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as Greenlanders’ rights to determine their own future.
This move follows sustained pressure from former President Donald Trump regarding Greenland. Previously, Trump expressed a desire for the U.S. to control Greenland and did not rule out military or economic measures to acquire the territory. His stance caused tensions within NATO and led to negotiations among the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland.
During the Cold War, the U.S. operated 17 military bases in Greenland with over 10,000 personnel. Currently, only one U.S. base remains active: the Pituffik Space Base, staffed by about 150 U.S. troops.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need to invest in Arctic security and economic development, stating that allies must enhance military, economic, and infrastructure capabilities to address strategic competition in the region.
The Arctic is attracting increased attention from major powers including the U.S., China, and Russia, as climate change melts ice, opening access to natural resources and new shipping routes.
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