Sweden has sent two to three staff officers to participate in an exercise in Greenland, where Denmark is now increasing its military presence. Norway has said it will contribute two officers, as will Finland, and the UK is sending one.
This morning, a transport flight with 13 German military personnel departed for Nuuk. The German government said in a press release that the team will map conditions for possible military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region, for example by monitoring the sea around Greenland.
According to the German government, the reconnaissance is taking place between January 15 and 17 at the invitation of Denmark.
French soldiers
France has sent a force of around 15 personnel, and Canada and the Netherlands will also contribute.
The Swedish Armed Forces declined to provide details about the mission, but noted that the staff officers are in place for upcoming exercises. Their mission is to improve knowledge of the area and situational awareness.
The Arctic is part of Sweden's area of operations in NATO, and Swedish soldiers therefore participated in exercises there last year and will do so again this year.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) describes the mission as preparation for the upcoming exercise Operation Arctic Endurance, which Denmark has been planning for a long time. The main purpose is said to be to deter Russia and China, which have increased their presence in the area.
Deteriorating security situation
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the US “needs” Greenland for security reasons, and has mocked Denmark for only sending a dog sled there, which the Danish Minister of Defense has dismissed.
The fact that Denmark is now increasing its military presence can be seen as a response to the criticism, but also to the generally deteriorating security situation in the Arctic.
