Denmark has invested 14.6 billion Danish kroner (2.03 billion dollars) to strengthen its defense and enhance military presence in the Arctic region. The investments are planned as part of an agreement made in close collaboration between the Danish government and the autonomous authorities of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
The funds will be allocated among various initiatives: 11.8 billion kroner (1.64 billion dollars) for military capabilities, 0.3 billion Danish kroner (42 million dollars) for initiatives to increase presence, 2.3 billion Danish kroner (322 million dollars) for deployment and communication initiatives, and 0.3 billion Danish kroner (42 million dollars) for other initiatives, as stated on the official website of the Danish Ministry of Defense.
This announcement is objectively perceived in light of Trump's desire to acquire Greenland, and thus the Danish government's decision can be seen as a clear response to those statements. However, officials from Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands officially justify this agreement by citing the increasing threat from China and Russia, which is also accurate.
Overall, the agreement includes the construction of three new Arctic vessels capable of carrying helicopters and drones. The specific types of vessels are not mentioned, but they may be patrol ships of the Knud Rasmussen type, equipped with a 76-mm gun, a helicopter landing pad, and the ability to break ice like an icebreaker.
In addition to the ships, two large long-range drones will be acquired, which can monitor vast areas over great distances. Reconnaissance capabilities will also be enhanced through satellite surveillance and ground-based situational awareness tools to gather intelligence in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
The agreement will also enable more individuals in Greenland to receive appropriate training to protect the country's sovereignty. At the same time, the total population of the island is about 60,000, while all Danish armed forces number 15,500.