US to deploy NORAD aircraft at Greenland base amid tensions over Donald Trump’s acquisition push

The United States will deploy a North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) aircraft to Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base, as tensions rise over President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

NORAD said the aircraft will arrive soon and will support activities that have been planned well in advance. The move, it added, has been coordinated with Denmark and Greenland.

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The deployment comes against the backdrop of diplomatic strain between Washington and Copenhagen over Trump’s statements on Greenland.

NORAD says deployment is coordinated with Denmark and Greenland

In a post on X, NORAD said the aircraft would operate alongside forces from the United States and Canada.

“North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) aircraft will soon arrive at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland. Along with aircraft operating from bases in the continental United States and Canada, they will support various long-planned NORAD activities, building on the enduring defence cooperation between the United States and Canada, as well as the Kingdom of Denmark,” the post said.

NORAD stressed that the deployment has been formally cleared.

“This activity has been coordinated with the Kingdom of Denmark, and all supporting forces operate with the requisite diplomatic clearances. The Government of Greenland is also informed of planned activities,” it added.

NORAD routinely conducts sustained and dispersed operations across its three regions (Alaska, Canada and the continental United States) as part of North America’s air defence framework.

Military exercise follows Trump’s tariff warning over Greenland

The US move follows a multinational military exercise led by Danish forces in Greenland, held amid growing friction with Washington.

Sweden, France, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland have sent small contingents of military personnel to join the exercise, aimed at ensuring Arctic security. Denmark had also invited the United States to participate.

The deployment also comes as Trump steps up pressure on Denmark and other European countries over Greenland.

Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark and several European nations, including the United Kingdom, if they do not agree to sell Greenland to the US.

In a social media post, Trump said the move was necessary for national security, pointing to China’s and Russia’s interest in the Arctic region.

He said he was open to negotiations but warned of tariffs of 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, if no agreement was reached, adding that it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support.