Denmark and France have carried out a joint military air training mission over Greenland, as Denmark and its allies continue to strengthen their presence in the Arctic amid heightened political and strategic tensions surrounding the territory.
The exercise comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed public pressure to bring Greenland under American control, framing the Arctic territory as vital to U.S. national security and missile defense. Danish officials have responded by emphasizing sovereignty, alliance cohesion, and an increased Danish and NATO role in the region.
According to the Danish Armed Forces, the mission focused on practicing joint operations under harsh Arctic conditions, including aerial refueling, long-distance flights, and flight safety. Danish F-35 fighter jets flew from Fighter Wing Skrydstrup in southern Denmark to eastern Greenland, while a French Airbus MRTT tanker aircraft departed from its base in southern France to support the mission before returning home after completion.
The aircraft route took the Danish fighters directly to the area around Kulusuk on Greenland’s east coast, with mid-air refueling conducted over the North Atlantic. During the training, the aircraft also passed the Faroe Islands, highlighting the long-range nature of the operation and its relevance for transatlantic defense.
Danish Armed Forces said the exercise was designed to build experience in operating under cold, demanding Arctic conditions. A Danish military social media post described how the French tanker refueled the Danish F-35s mid-air on their flight to Greenland, enabling sustained operations far from established bases.
The latest exercise builds on earlier cooperation between Denmark and France. Last year, the two countries conducted similar Arctic training missions along Greenland’s west coast using Danish F-16 fighter jets. Those activities were part of a broader effort to strengthen allied air operations and shared experience in extreme environments.
This expanded activity follows Denmark’s decision to increase its military presence and training around Greenland in 2025, working closely with allies including France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. Danish defense officials have indicated that this effort will continue in 2026 with a range of air-, sea-, and land-based exercises, including additional flights involving F-35 fighter jets and tanker aircraft.
The Arctic and North Atlantic have taken on increased strategic importance as climate change reduces sea ice and opens new air and sea routes. Greenland occupies a key position between North America and Europe, making its surrounding airspace critical for NATO’s ability to monitor activity, secure supply lines, and rapidly reinforce forces across the Atlantic in a crisis.
The timing of the exercise reflects broader geopolitical dynamics. Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States needs Greenland for missile defense and Arctic security, comments that have prompted firm responses from Denmark and Greenlandic leaders and reinforced Copenhagen’s push to demonstrate effective control and responsibility for the region.
The training mission further highlights a shift toward integrated allied operations. By operating together, Denmark and France improve interoperability between different aircraft, refueling systems, and command structures — a key requirement as NATO members transition to platforms like the F-35, which are designed to operate as part of multinational force packages.
Operating in the Arctic presents unique challenges, including extreme cold, unpredictable weather, limited infrastructure, and vast distances between bases. Regular exercises allow crews to test procedures and identify logistical and technical limitations before such conditions arise in real-world scenarios.
Danish defense officials have said the continuation of these exercises into 2026 signals a long-term commitment to Arctic security, deterrence, and alliance unity, underscoring that the increased activity around Greenland is intended to reinforce sovereignty and stability at a time of intensified international attention on the region.
