Here are the countries sending military to Greenland

TT

Published 11.33

 

Nuuk in Greenland. Archive image. Photo: Evgeniy Maloletka/AP/TT

Swedish officers are on site in Greenland, as are German, French, Norwegian and British military personnel.

But the officers are few and the assignment is short. It could be homecoming this weekend.

Sweden has sent two to three staff officers to participate in an exercise in Greenland, where Denmark is now increasing its military presence. Norway has said it will contribute two officers and the UK one.

This morning, a transport flight with 13 German military personnel took off for Nuuk. The German government writes in a press release that it is a team that will map the conditions for possible military contributions that can support Denmark in ensuring security in the region, for example by monitoring the sea area around Greenland.

According to the German government, the reconnaissance is taking place between 15 and 17 January at the invitation of Denmark.

French soldiers

France has sent a force of around 15 people, and Canada and the Netherlands will also contribute.

The Swedish Armed Forces do not want to go into any details about the mission, but note that the staff officers are in place for upcoming exercises. Their mission is to strengthen knowledge of the area and the situation.

The Arctic is part of Sweden's NATO area of ​​operations and Swedish soldiers therefore participated in exercises there last year, and will also participate in exercises this year.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) describes the mission as a preparation for the upcoming Arctic endurance exercise operation that Denmark has been planning for a long time. The main purpose is said to be to deter Russia and China, which have increased their presence in the area.

Worsened security situation

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the US “needs” Greenland for security reasons, and has mocked Denmark for only sending a dog sled there, which the Danish Minister of Defense has of course dismissed.

That Denmark is now increasing its military presence can be seen as a response to the criticism, but also to the generally deteriorating security situation in the Arctic.