Greenland: Denmark has launched one of the largest military exercises ever held in Greenland, sending a strong signal of its strategic intentions in the Arctic while notably excluding the United States from participation. The exercise, dubbed “Arctic Light 2025,” involves more than 550 military personnel from Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway, and features a diverse array of assets, including F-16 fighter jets, naval vessels, helicopters, drones, and special forces units. The drill, which began on September 9, is set to continue until September 19.
The exercise’s exclusion of the U.S. is particularly striking given the historical presence of American military operations in Greenland, including the strategically important Pituffik Space Base. Although U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was invited to observe, no American units were deployed to participate. Danish Arctic commander Soren Andersen clarified that while the U.S. base continues its regular operations, American forces were deliberately not included in the drill. Analysts view this as Denmark asserting its own leadership role in Arctic defense while maintaining NATO collaboration.
Strategically, Arctic Light 2025 is designed to test readiness against potential threats from Russia and China in the increasingly contested Arctic region. The exercise combines aerial, naval, and ground operations, simulating scenarios of rapid deployment, surveillance, and territorial defense. Independent defense analyst Hans Peter Michaelsen observed that the exercise serves a dual purpose: enhancing military preparedness and sending a political message about Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory whose strategic importance has grown amid global interest in Arctic resources and shipping routes.
The sidelining of U.S. forces comes against a backdrop of historically sensitive relations. In 2019, former President Donald Trump sparked controversy by suggesting the purchase of Greenland, and tensions over Arctic policy have lingered since. Despite this, officials emphasize that the exercise does not signify a rift with the United States; Denmark continues to cooperate with NATO allies on broader Arctic security issues.
Arctic Light 2025 marks a clear statement by Denmark that it intends to independently manage defense responsibilities in Greenland, while still collaborating with select European allies. As the exercise unfolds, military analysts and geopolitical observers will closely monitor the impact of Denmark’s approach on Arctic security dynamics, international alliances, and regional power balances.