Greenland, the world’s largest island and part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has become the stage for one of Denmark’s most ambitious military exercises to date. The operation, named ‘Arctic Light 2025’, brings together Danish troops and allied European forces to test their readiness in the High North’s extreme conditions. What makes this exercise particularly striking is the absence of U.S. participation — despite Washington’s long-standing presence at Thule Air Base.
A Message of Sovereignty
For Denmark, Arctic Light 2025 is more than a training event. It is a demonstration of sovereignty over Greenland, a territory that is geographically vast, sparsely populated, and increasingly strategic as climate change reshapes the Arctic. By conducting the exercise without the direct involvement of the United States, Denmark signals that it is capable of managing Arctic defense in cooperation with its European allies.
Why This Matters
The absence of the U.S. is unusual. For decades, Washington has been a central actor in Greenland through its base at Thule and its broader Arctic defense commitments. American policymakers have repeatedly emphasized the Arctic’s growing importance in the face of Russian military activity and China’s declared interest as a “near-Arctic” state. Denmark’s choice to work instead with Nordic and European NATO partners highlights a shift: a more Europe-centered approach to Arctic security, where smaller allies take responsibility for their own territories while contributing to collective defense.
Greenland at the Center of Arctic Change
The exercise also comes at a moment when Greenland’s role is increasingly debated — both internationally and domestically. Melting sea ice is opening new shipping routes and resource opportunities, while at the same time intensifying questions of sovereignty and defense. Within Greenland, many voices continue to press for greater autonomy from Copenhagen, even independence in the longer term. Yet under the Kingdom’s current structure, Copenhagen retains responsibility for defense and foreign policy. By staging Arctic Light 2025 now, Denmark underscores that it is not just a distant European capital but an Arctic state with direct responsibility for Greenland’s security.
Implications for NATO and the North
For NATO, Denmark’s initiative may be viewed as an asset rather than a challenge. The alliance faces pressure on multiple fronts — from Eastern Europe to the North Atlantic — and Denmark’s ability to lead in Greenland strengthens the broader Arctic posture. Still, Washington may take note that its closest allies are increasingly capable of conducting large-scale operations without direct U.S. involvement.
ATN Perspective
The Greenland exercise reflects a broader trend in Nordic and Arctic affairs: the balance between local sovereignty, regional cooperation, and global competition. Denmark’s message is twofold — that the Kingdom is ready to defend its Arctic territories, and that Europe has the capacity to act independently when needed. For Greenland, this is another reminder of its unique position: both a homeland for its people and a crossroads of international security interests.
Read more on Arctictoday.com, Highnorthnews.com
