Legal Literacy - Denmark has invited the United States to participate in the NATO military exercise “Arctic Endurance” in Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The invitation was conveyed as Western countries' attention to Arctic security has increased again, amid concerns over Russian activity in the northern region and geopolitical tensions fueled by Washington's polemic over the future of Greenland.

The head of the Danish Joint Arctic Command, Major General Søren Andersen, said that the exercise involved NATO partners and an invitation was also extended to the United States. He emphasized that Denmark's defense focus in Greenland is directed at monitoring Russia, not at threats from fellow alliance members.

Andersen spoke in Nuuk on Friday, January 16, 2026, aboard a Danish warship. On that occasion, he referred to the scenario of conflict between NATO members as something unrealistic. According to him, defense exercises and planning are still carried out as routine practice to ensure readiness to protect the territory of the Kingdom of Denmark together with the NATO framework.

This year's “Arctic Endurance” exercise is designed to test the ability of troops to operate in winter conditions. Andersen said he did not yet know whether the United States would ensure participation, but confirmed that the invitation had been extended. He also mentioned that Denmark did not invite American troops to a similar exercise last September.

Illustration Image of NATO troops in Greenland

Amid preparations for the exercise, Andersen stated that there were currently no Russian or Chinese ships detected around Greenland. However, he mentioned that a Russian research vessel was about 310 nautical miles from Greenland. He added that NATO allies were monitoring the situation and had an adequate picture of the security situation in the region.

The Danish Joint Arctic Command itself is responsible for defense around Greenland and the Faroe Islands, including surveillance, search and rescue missions. In carrying out its duties, the command utilizes patrol ships, aircraft and helicopters, satellite technology, and long-range patrols with Sirius dog sleds in the Arctic region.

Andersen's statement comes amid renewed international attention to Greenland. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland is important to the security of the United States and has refused to rule out the possibility of using force to take over the island. On the other hand, Denmark has prepared an Arctic defense package worth tens of billions of Danish kroner to respond to increasing security concerns in the northern region.