Denmark and the Faroe Islands increase military presence in the North Atlantic

Denmark and the Faroe Islands have agreed to gradually increase military activity in and around the Faroe Islands from 2026 onwards. The efforts will be carried out in cooperation between the Danish Defence and Faroese authorities and may include joint exercises, maritime presence, and air operations.

According to the Danish Ministry of Defence, the increased presence will take place periodically and be coordinated with Faroese authorities, including the coast guard VØRN. The activities may include joint training, support for NATO's maritime operations, patrols by F-35 fighter aircraft, and the presence of frigates and transport aircraft.

"With the agreement between Denmark and the Faroe Islands to jointly strengthen activity in and around the Faroe Islands, we are sending a clear signal that the Kingdom takes responsibility for our collective security across the entire realm. The reinforcement is part of the overall increased presence in the Arctic and constitutes a further contribution to NATO," says Denmark's Minister of Defence Jeppe Bruus in the press release.

In a press release from the Faroe Islands' Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Fisheries, the cooperation is described as a joint arrangement in which efforts will be carried out, coordinated, and evaluated together. According to the ministry, the increased activity will strengthen the capacity for surveillance, readiness, and stability in the region.

"Given the current security policy situation, strengthening defence and security cooperation between the Faroe Islands, Denmark, and our allies is a clear priority. It is therefore also essential that decisions concerning the Faroe Islands are made in the Faroe Islands, and that measures are implemented in close cooperation with the Faroese authorities," says the Faroe Islands' Minister for Foreign Affairs and Fisheries, Bárður á Steig Nielsen, in the press release.

According to the Danish Ministry of Defence, the increased activity will be part of the Arctic Endurance exercise framework and linked to the NATO-led initiative Arctic Sentry.