US Stations NORAD Aircraft in Greenland, Escalating Standoff Over Trump's Acquisition Bid
NORAD aircraft support operations at Pituffik base, coordinated with Denmark, following Trump's tariff threats to force Greenland's sale.
The United States has announced plans to deploy a North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) aircraft to Greenland, a move that comes amid rising diplomatic tensions linked to former US President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
NORAD said the aircraft will arrive at the Pituffik Space Base to support a range of long-planned operational activities. The command emphasised that the deployment is part of routine defence cooperation and has been coordinated with both Denmark and the Government of Greenland, with all necessary diplomatic clearances in place.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, NORAD said the aircraft will operate alongside units based in the continental United States and Canada. The activities, it added, build on the longstanding defence partnership between the United States, Canada, and the Kingdom of Denmark, particularly in the context of Arctic and North Atlantic security.
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NORAD further noted that it routinely conducts sustained and dispersed operations across its three regions—Alaska, Canada, and the continental United States—as part of its mandate to defend North America. The deployment to Greenland, officials said, fits within this broader operational framework rather than representing a sudden escalation.
The announcement follows a multinational military exercise led by Danish forces in Greenland, held against the backdrop of growing tensions with Washington. Several European countries, including Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and Finland, have sent small contingents of military personnel to participate in the exercise, aimed at enhancing security and stability in the Arctic region. Denmark had also invited the United States to take part.
Tensions have been fuelled by Trump’s recent statements renewing his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns and the strategic interest of China and Russia in the Arctic. Trump has warned of imposing tariffs on Denmark and other European nations unless they agree to negotiations, threatening duties of 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, if no agreement is reached.
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