Germany Sends Bundeswehr Soldiers to Greenland Amid US Territorial Claims Tensions

Germany has deployed a 13-member Bundeswehr reconnaissance team to Greenland in response to escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States' persistent claims on the Arctic island. This mission, running from January 15 to 17, 2026, follows renewed threats from US President Donald Trump, who has asserted that a US takeover of Greenland is necessary for national security and remains unwilling to abandon his territorial claims. The Bundeswehr's deployment was made at the invitation of Denmark, Greenland's autonomous ruler, and aims to explore potential military contributions to regional security, particularly maritime surveillance capabilities.

The mission is part of a broader Nordic cooperation, with Sweden and Norway also sending military personnel. Norway confirmed sending two soldiers, while Swedish officers are preparing for Denmark’s upcoming exercise ‘‘Operation Arctic Endurance.’’ Coordination of this mission is conducted from Copenhagen and deliberately excludes formal NATO structures despite the involved countries being NATO members, underscoring the sensitivities around the US’s aggressive stance.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stressed that discussions with the United States concluded without resolution, with fundamental disagreements persisting over Greenland's future. Rasmussen highlighted the need for respectful cooperation despite Trump's firm claims and his suggestion that anything less than US control is unacceptable. The European Parliament condemned Trump's assertions as violations of international law and sovereignty.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius have emphasized securing the Arctic alongside NATO allies against Russian threats, clearly opposing US claims on Greenland. German political figures, including Green Party defense expert Sara Nanni, view the Bundeswehr deployment as a strong sign of solidarity with Denmark and an opportunity to exert diplomatic pressure on the Trump administration. Public support in Germany is robust, with over 70% backing the government's stance.

Denmark has simultaneously expanded its military presence in Greenland to reinforce sovereignty and security in the region amid rising geopolitical disputes involving Russia and China. A working group is planned between Denmark, the US, and Greenland to address security concerns, but red lines regarding sovereignty remain firmly in place. The German initiative aligns with regional efforts to stabilize the Arctic and uphold international law against unilateral claims and threats.