US, Denmark and Greenland Sign New Arctic Defense Agreement

An agreement between the United States, Denmark and Greenland has been made for the amendment and enhancement of the 1951 Defense Agreement on Greenland, which provides for an extensive revision of the agreement framework concerning US military operations in the Arctic island. Signed in New York on September 22, 2026, the agreement deals with security in the Arctic, access for military purposes, defense infrastructure, and cooperation between the three countries. In addition, it covers Greenland interests, environment protection, economic involvement, and foreign investment screening. There is no expiry date for the agreement.

What is Included In Defense Agreement?

First, it allows the parties to undertake the necessary actions that will enable them to defend the North Atlantic Treaty organization, Greenland, and the American continent, taking into account the interests of Greenland.

Second, an important provision of this agreement is that the United States will be allowed to improve and increase the presence of its military activities at the Pituffik Space Base, located in northwest Greenland.

Moreover, the agreement provides for the creation of additional Defense Areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig.

Expanded US Military Access to Greenland

The treaty ensures that the US military has full freedom of transit and movement from one Defense Area to another throughout Greenland, including its territorial waters.

US planes will be allowed to fly and land in Greenland, while US civilian ships will have access to and movement in Greenland’s territorial waters as described in the treaty.

The treaty says that these rights must be carried out with full consideration for the society and culture of Greenland, including its hunting and fishing practices to the extent feasible.

Increased NATO Engagement in the Arctic

All three sides also agree on increased NATO engagement in the Arctic.

This is to increase cooperation in areas of military planning, presence, exercises, and intelligence-gathering.

Denmark has pledged to continue to strengthen its security position in the Arctic by improving its land, maritime, air, and space capabilities, in addition to enhanced surveillance and cooperation with NATO allies.

The treaty also encourages closer cooperation against espionage in Greenland.

New rules for Defense Areas and Foreign Investment

Within the scope of the agreement, Greenlandic entities and sources are to get US contracts regarding the establishment, maintenance and servicing of Defense Areas to the greatest extent possible, based on their competence and practicality.

Moreover, new provisions regarding foreign investment in sensitive sectors have been made under the agreement.

Foreign states that are neither members of NATO nor of EU and not the partner of NATO will generally not be allowed to have control, influence or access to sensitive non-public information in the field of Particularly Sensitive Sectors and Activities, where it could harm the national security or public order.

What If Greenland Gains Independence?

The treaty itself takes into account the right of Greenland to self-determination.

If Greenland becomes independent, it is stipulated that Denmark and Greenland will collaborate so that the independent state of Greenland remains within NATO and, where appropriate, apply for membership in it.

Additionally, the treaty stipulates that on the day of its independence, the independent Greenland will take on the rights and duties according to the defense agreements.

The treaty itself has no expiration date and can be amended only by mutual consent in accordance with the procedure laid down in the 1951 Defense Agreement.