In Nuuk, around 40 people have gathered to ask questions to the head of Denmark's Arctic Command, Major General Søren Andersen, about the increased military presence in and around Greenland. The meeting is the first in a series of citizen meetings held in September, writes the Danish Armed Forces in a press release.
According to Andersen, the activities in the coming weeks aim, among other things, to practice sea rescue and handling oil spills at sea, but also to train conventional defense.
– We must acknowledge that the situation in the Arctic has changed. Russia is more active and is cooperating with China. This does not happen directly at Greenland, but we must take it seriously. Therefore, we need to send soldiers and equipment to the area and train in the terrain, said Andersen at the meeting.
The training includes cooperation with Royal Arctic Line, where they practice sea rescue and environmental efforts. During the exercise period, helicopters, fighter jets, naval vessels, and units from both the Danish Army and the Home Guard will also be visible in several places in Greenland.
Questions from participants concerned, among other things, the surveillance of the area, the availability of large ships, and Denmark's ability to defend such a large territory. Andersen emphasized that the defense of Greenland must be seen in a NATO perspective.
– Denmark and Greenland have a primary responsibility, but if something were to happen, support will come from the rest of NATO. Unfortunately, it is not up to us to decide if Greenland risks being drawn into a conflict, said Andersen, referring to the experiences from Ukraine.