Denmark has announced a major step to strengthen its military surveillance in the Arctic, purchasing four long-range drones to monitor the vast northern regions under its jurisdiction, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The move reflects growing concerns over Arctic security, fueled by Russia’s militarization of the region and emerging geopolitical rivalries in the High North.

Boosting Arctic Readiness Through NATO

The Danish Ministry of Defence confirmed the purchase of the drones through NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the upgrade marked “a crucial step” in enabling Europe to take on more responsibility for its northern defenses.

“These drones will strengthen both Danish and European security,” Poulsen stated. “At the same time, we are reinforcing NATO’s operational capacity in the North Atlantic and Arctic.”

The drones, expected to be delivered by 2028, will enable Denmark to conduct both signal and image intelligence operations in remote, sparsely populated areas that are otherwise difficult to monitor—especially in Greenland, home to the U.S. Pituffik Space Base and crucial sea routes opening due to melting Arctic ice.

Greenland and Faroe Islands in Strategic Spotlight

The acquisition comes amid renewed focus on Greenland, where Denmark faces external pressure from major powers. U.S. President Donald Trump previously floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, citing its strategic importance. Danish and Greenlandic leaders rejected the proposal, but the island remains a key piece of NATO’s northern defense architecture.

Meanwhile, Denmark is resuming radar surveillance operations in the Faroe Islands, located at a maritime and air corridor known as the GIUK Gap (Greenland–Iceland–UK)—a key zone for monitoring submarine and ship traffic between the Arctic and Atlantic.

General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard, Chief of the Danish Armed Forces, said the drones will play a vital role in enabling faster reaction times and maintaining Arctic awareness. “Speed is crucial when it comes to building combat power,” he added.

Part of Long-Term Defence Strategy

Two of the drones were first approved in 2021, with two more added under the 2024–2033 Defence Agreement. The program will be funded through Denmark’s Acceleration Fund, aimed at speeding up military preparedness in line with NATO expectations following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The announcement follows similar moves by other NATO allies, including Canada, Finland, and Iceland, to increase Arctic defense budgets, surveillance systems, and multilateral cooperation.