EventThe United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a permanent agreement at the UN General Assembly on Sept. 22 that modernizes Pituffik Space Force Base, establishes new defense areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, prohibits non‑NATO bases, requires U.S. consent for certain foreign investments, and obliges the U.S. to award defense‑related contracts to Greenlandic sources. The deal contains no expiration and imposes no direct cost on the U.S. public.
The United States, Greenland and Denmark have signed an agreement that expands U.S. military installations on the island, adding Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig and enlarging Pituffik Space Force Base while banning non‑NATO nations from building bases there.
The United States, Denmark, and Greenland signed a new defense agreement on 22 September 2026 that expands U.S. military rights, establishes new defense areas, and institutes permanent terms and foreign‑investment controls.
The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have signed a permanent agreement granting the U.S. broad military access to Greenland, aimed at bolstering North Atlantic security and countering Russian and Chinese influence.
How the Greenland Deal Secures the Arctic
Denmark says NATO will keep a heightened presence in Greenland and the wider Arctic after a new security agreement with the United States was signed last week.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Greenland is more important today than ever before as competition intensifies in the Arctic, citing China’s pursuit of influence over emerging shipping routes and stressing the island’s role in space operations and missile defense.
A security agreement between the United States, Denmark and Greenland, signed last week, aims to strengthen NATO’s defense in the Arctic, keep Greenland part of Denmark, and mitigate U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls to acquire the island.
Denmark hopes NATO’s Arctic Sentry operations in Greenland will continue beyond this year, following a Trump‑era deal that allows a long‑term presence.
Denmark expects NATO to maintain a long‑term presence in Greenland and the wider Arctic after a security agreement with the United States last week that authorizes U.S. bases and expands the Arctic Sentry mission.
Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said Copenhagen hopes NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission in Greenland will continue beyond this year.
Denmark is confident NATO will maintain a heightened presence in Greenland and the broader Arctic region for the foreseeable future.
Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said Copenhagen is confident NATO will keep a heightened presence in Greenland and the Arctic after a Trump deal.
Denmark says NATO will maintain a heightened presence in Greenland and the broader Arctic after a security deal with the United States, with plans for two additional U.S. bases and a continued role for NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission.
Denmark sees potential for long‑term NATO presence in Greenland following the Trump deal.
Denmark says NATO will keep a heightened presence in Greenland and the wider Arctic after a security deal with the United States, which includes adding two U.S. bases on the island and expanding NATO's role.
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone said NATO's Arctic Sentry activity is not yet permanent but could become so.
