Officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced in a post on social media. The officers are part of a multinational group from several allied countries and will prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance.
Kristersson emphasized that the deployment is occurring at Denmark’s request, stating, “It is at Denmark’s request that Sweden is sending personnel from the Armed Forces.” The move comes as Denmark expands its military presence in and around Greenland starting today, with additional aircraft, vessels, soldiers, and contributions from NATO allies under the same exercise framework.
The announcement follows a statement from the Danish defense authorities detailing increased training and exercise activities throughout 2026. These activities could include guarding critical infrastructure, assisting local Greenland authorities such as the police, receiving allied troops, deploying fighter aircraft, and conducting naval operations.
The developments unfold against the backdrop of renewed U.S. interest in Greenland. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his call for American control of the territory in social media posts on Wednesday, declaring that anything less than Greenland “in the hands” of the United States is “unacceptable.” Trump wrote that the United States needs Greenland for national security purposes, describing it as vital for the “Golden Dome” defense initiative, and asserted that “NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES.”
In a follow-up post referencing Russia and China, Trump urged NATO to press Denmark to act, stating, “NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of here, NOW! Two dogsleds won’t do it! Only the USA can!!!” The comments come just hours ahead of a scheduled White House meeting later Wednesday involving Danish and Greenland foreign ministers, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following weeks of threats from Trump on the issue.
