Denmark’s top Arctic military official has dismissed concerns over U.S. intentions to control Greenland but emphasized the need for robust defense measures to counter potential Russian incursions.

U.S. Takeover “Not on My Mind,” Says Danish Commander

In an interview with Reuters, Soren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command, said he was unconcerned about speculation surrounding a U.S. takeover of Greenland, calling it “absolutely not on my mind.” His remarks came days after meeting U.S. General Gregory Guillot during his visit to the U.S. Pituffik Space Base—his first trip since the Pentagon shifted Greenland under U.S. Northern Command oversight.

Despite repeated statements by former President Donald Trump about acquiring the island and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s refusal to deny contingency plans in Congress, Andersen insisted that U.S.-Danish cooperation in the Arctic remains strong.

Focus Shifts to Russian Threats and Deterrence

While the general expressed calm over U.S. actions, he stressed that more must be done to deter possible Russian aggression. "To keep this area conflict-free, we have to do more, we need to have a credible deterrent," Andersen said. Although no Russian or Chinese state ships have appeared in the region this year, past unexpected naval visits raised alarms in Copenhagen.

Denmark has responded by transitioning its Joint Arctic Command from a civilian and search-and-rescue focus to one emphasizing territorial defense.

Largest Military Presence Since Cold War

Coinciding with Andersen’s talks with Guillot, Denmark launched its largest military exercises in Greenland since the Cold War. These included the deployment of a frigate, F-16 fighter jets, special forces, and surveillance operations around key infrastructure. Andersen indicated a desire to repeat such drills regularly.

He noted Greenland’s limited population and infrastructure serve as a natural deterrent. “Greenland is not that difficult to defend… few points need defending, and of course, we have a plan for that. NATO has a plan for that,” he added.