Denmark has ordered 27 F-35 fighter jets from the United States in 2021, the Eurasia Times reported.
NEW DELHI: Denmark has acquired three more F-35 Lightning II fighter jets in a significant move that promises to strengthen its defense capabilities amid rising tensions over Greenland. According to reports, these jets arrived from the United States on January 12th at Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark. Greenland could deploy these jets on its territory as geopolitical competition intensifies in the Arctic.
Denmark is increasing its military presence following new President Donald Trump’s comments about gaining control of Greenland. Greenland is not an independent country but an autonomous territory of Denmark. Therefore, the security responsibility lies with Denmark.
Denmark has ordered 27 F-35 fighter jets from the United States in 2021, the Eurasia Times reported. Of these, 17 have already been delivered to Denmark. Six of these jets will continue to be based at Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Arizona, USA, and the remaining 11 will be deployed to Denmark. In October 2023, the first four F-35 fighter jets were officially handed over to the Danish Ministry of Defense.
F-35 will be deployed to Greenland Airport!
Amid rising tensions over Greenland, the Danish government has decided to deploy and upgrade F-35 fighter jets to Greenland’s Kangerlussuaq Airport. Greenland occupies an important strategic position in the Arctic, especially in monitoring the polar airspace. This region could serve as a route for enemy military aircraft and ballistic missiles if North America were to be attacked.
Greenland is also located near the Northwest Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
It is important to note that over the past decade, climate change and melting glaciers have opened new avenues for resource exploration in the region, making the Arctic a new arena for geopolitical competition. Western countries have accused Russia of turning the region into a military base. The distance from Greenland to the Russian border is 3,800 kilometers. The Pentagon has warned the US Congress about China’s growing interest in the region, which includes resource-rich Greenland.
Donald Trump’s statement:
Recent statements from US President-elect Donald Trump have prompted Denmark to deploy F-35 fighter jets to Greenland. President Trump recently expressed a desire to make Greenland part of the United States. He even said he might use economic or military means to take control of Greenland. In response, Denmark has been observed to be making comprehensive efforts to strengthen the defense of Greenland, including a significant increase in defense spending.
