Part Of Overall Security Buildup In Greenland, Faroe Islands

Denmark announced it will purchase 16 more F-35 Lightning II jets as part of a military spending package that will include two new Arctic-ready ships, patrol aircraft, drones, an early warning radar, and importantly, building a new Arctic command headquarters in Greenland’s capital of Nuuk.

The new headquarters and a new military unit will be established under the Joint Arctic Command in Greenland. Overall, Denmark expects to spend about 88 billion Danish kroner ($13.7 billion) through 2033 on strengthening security for its Artic region that includes the Faroe Islands in addition to Greenland.

Denmark worked with the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands to develop the defense package, which will bring its overall defense spending close to 5 percent of its GDP, a benchmark President Donald Trump has set for NATO nations to achieve in sharing the cost of security for the alliance.

Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark's Defence Minister, said in a statement, "With this... agreement we significantly strengthen the capabilities of the Danish Armed Forces in the region.”

Poulson had said earlier this year in response to President Trump’s statements about annexing Greenland, that Denmark had indeed neglected to make the necessary investments in defense and that this spending package is a sign that his country is going to come into alignment with Trump’s goal for the NATO alliance.

Michael Hyldgaard, Chief of Defence said, "Expanding the fleet of F-35 fighter jets is a key decision in the buildup of the Danish Armed Forces, The task of the Armed Forces is to ensure security throughout the Kingdom - and, if necessary, to defend Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark within the framework of Nato in all domains.”

The 16 F-35 aircraft would be in addition to a previous order of 27 to bring Denmark’s F-35 fleet to 43 aircraft. The Ministry of Defence said it will begin discussions with the F-35 Joint Program Office on details of the acquisition including potential accelerated delivery of the jets, spare parts, simulators, and support.

Denmark is also interested in buying a number of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft to accompany the F-35s, as well as exploring a purchase of Boeing’s Poeidon-8 maritime patrol aircraft to bolster surveillance in the Arctic region.

FMI:  www.fmn.dk/