Denmark boosts Arctic defence spending by $2 bn

Denmark to step up Artic defence, boosts defence spending by $2 bn

Denmark said on Monday it would spend 14.6 billion Danish kroner ($2.05 billion) boosting its military capabilities in the Arctic – a decision that comes amid continuing furor following US President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in controlling Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. 

The agreement aims to “improve capabilities for surveillance and maintaining sovereignty in the region,” according to a statement from Denmark’s Ministry of Defence. “At the same time, support to Allies and NATO’s efforts in the Arctic and North Atlantic is essential to strengthening overall security and defence,” the statement added.

As part of the investment package, Denmark will fund three new Arctic naval vessels, two long-range drones with the ability to conduct surveillance over large areas and increased admission to Arctic basic military training. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen embarked on a European tour on Tuesday, planned stops in Berlin, Paris and Brussels, to strengthen military presence around Greenland.