A recent map from Newsweek reveals plans for two new U.S. military bases in Greenland. President Donald Trump announced a security agreement concerning Greenland, an Arctic territory under Denmark’s rule. This follows Trump’s previous threats about forcefully acquiring the island, which created tensions within NATO, where Denmark is a founding member.
The United States, Denmark, and Greenland plan to formalize the security deal announced by Trump at the United Nations General Assembly. Reuters reported that two locations are involved in the U.S. military expansion, including the revival of a Cold War-era base.
Where Will the New U.S. Bases Be?
Trump has emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance, and NATO focuses more on Arctic defense due to Russian activity. During the Cold War, there were 17 U.S. installations with 10,000 personnel, but now only Pituffik Space Base remains, staffed by about 650 personnel, including roughly 200 active-duty U.S. military personnel.
According to Reuters, the deal will add two new bases. One is planned for Narsarsuaq on Greenland’s southern tip, near the site of the Bluie West One military base, which operated from 1942 to 1958 with a peak of 4,000 personnel. It became obsolete because of mid-air refueling and Thule Air Base, a larger facility in northern Greenland.
The second site is Mestersvig, an existing military outpost in eastern Greenland, currently used by the Danish Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, a special forces unit.
Details of the U.S.-Greenland Agreement
Copenhagen cautiously welcomed the deal, highlighting that it allows NATO to maintain Arctic security rather than just the U.S. and Denmark. While specifics were initially confidential, the U.S. State Department described the agreement as an “unprecedented” pact ensuring U.S. security interests in the Arctic without cost to American taxpayers.
The agreement secures permanent U.S. security control over Greenland, protecting against foreign military presence or investment by adversaries like China and Russia. It remains valid even if Greenland gains full independence.
Jeppe Kofod, an Atlantic Council Global Energy Center fellow, stated the U.S. gains a lasting security presence in Greenland, maintaining the kingdom’s sovereignty and Greenlanders’ self-determination.
Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Gray R. Thomas can be contacted for further details on this story.
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