Without The US, Denmark Holds The Biggest Military Exercise In Greenland's History

JAKARTA - Denmark did not invite the US military to participate in the 2025 Arctic Light, the largest military exercise in Greenland's modern history.

The drills were held as NATO allies stepped up defense cooperation in the Arctic amid US interest in the island.

Denmark's Arctic Commander Soren Andersen confirmed that although US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth had been invited, no US military unit was asked to participate.

"We are working with colleagues at the US Pituffik Space Base, but they were not invited to join this exercise," Andersen told Reuters on Wednesday, September 17.

The US previously participated in Denmark-led military exercises in Greenland.

"While we are not participating in this particular exercise, we continue our strong military cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark and other Arctic allies," said a spokesman for the US Embassy in Copenhagen.

Independent military analyst Hans Peter Michaelsen told Reuters the drills had "strong political conditions" to demonstrate Denmark's management of Greenland with NATO allies.

"This exercise is basically designed to show America that Denmark is protecting Greenland and doing so with the help of other major NATO countries," Michaelsen said.

Andersen dismissed the notion that the exercise was meant to send a message to Washington.

Denmark has increased defense investment and military activity in Greenland, a semi-autonomous region, since US President Donald Trump's comments about the acquisition of the strategically located territory and criticism of Denmark's efforts to defend it.

Relations between Copenhagen and Washington worsened this year due to Trump's refusal to rule out the possibility of a forced takeover of Greenland.

Denmark last month summoned the top US diplomat in Copenhagen over reports alleging a covert influence operation by US nationals in Greenland.

The 2025 Arctic Light, which runs from September 9 to 19, involved more than 550 troops, including special forces, from Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.

Denmark deployed F-16 frigates, helicopters and fighter jets, while France deployed naval vessels, air refueling tankers, and unmanned aircraft.

This exercise prepares a potential scenario involving increased activity of Russia and China in the Arctic.

A spokesman for the US embassy said NATO ally's efforts to ensure defense readiness in the Arctic were welcome.

The US, which maintained 17 bases in Greenland during the Cold War, currently only has a permanent presence at the Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland.