For decades, the United States has maintained a significant military presence in Greenland, a territory of Denmark. This presence, dating back to World War II, once included thousands of personnel, over a dozen military bases, strategic bombers, meteorological stations, and a massive facility constructed beneath the ice.
Currently, the US military presence has been significantly reduced. It primarily centers around the Pituffik Space Base, a remote missile defense station. Some former bases have been converted into commercial airports, while others have fallen into disrepair.
The strategic importance of Greenland, particularly its location, has long been recognized by the United States. Pituffik Space Base, situated in northwestern Greenland, is staffed by approximately 150 personnel who operate missile defense and space surveillance systems. Its location near the North Pole allows its radar to detect missiles in their earliest stages of launch.
According to Danish defense analyst Peter Ernstved Rasmussen, the base is the “furthest-out eye of American defense.”
Discussions have taken place regarding the possibility of the United States acquiring portions of Greenlandic territory to establish military bases. However, the feasibility of such plans remains uncertain, given the reluctance of both Denmark and Greenland to cede any part of their sovereignty.
The US military engagement in Greenland has evolved substantially from the Second World War era to the present day, adapting to changing geopolitical landscapes and technological advancements.
