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Denmark deploys conscripts to Greenland to strengthen Arctic presence
The conscripts are the first cohort under Denmark’s extended conscription program, as Copenhagen prepares for more Arctic defense spending after admitting past underinvestment.
For the first time in recent history, Denmark has deployed conscripts to Greenland to bolster its presence in the Arctic, Reuters reported. The move comes amid repeated US President Donald Trump demands to acquire the semi-autonomous territory on national security grounds, which Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected.
The conscripts are part of the first cohort under Denmark’s new extended conscription programme, designed to train soldiers to operate in one of the kingdom’s most strategically important and challenging regions. Denmark framed the deployment as both a signal of sustained presence and a way to train for Arctic terrain and climate.
Reuters said Denmark has pledged billions of dollars to strengthen Arctic defenses after its defence minister acknowledged years of underinvestment in the region. The company commander, Captain Laura Jepsen, said the conscripts’ role is to continue training and gain experience in Arctic conditions.
In remarks cited by Reuters, 19-year-old conscript David said the deployment shows Denmark is there rather than only discussing the issue, and that it also reflects consideration of people in Greenland.