A map produced by Newsweek indicates the planned sites for two new U.S. military bases to be constructed in Greenland. President Donald Trump recently announced a security agreement over the semi-autonomous Arctic territory, which is part of Denmark’s kingdom.
Following months of tension due to Trump’s threats to seize the island by force, a diplomatic crisis emerged within NATO. Denmark, Greenland, and the United States are set to sign the agreement that Trump mentioned at the United Nations General Assembly.
According to a Reuters report, the expansion involves two bases, one being a revival of a Cold War-era base. Newsweek has reached out for comments from the White House and the Danish foreign ministry.
Strategic Site Locations
Trump emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance as NATO increases its defense focus in the Arctic, amid Russian military activity concerns. During the Cold War, the U.S. had 17 military installations in Greenland manned by 10,000 personnel, but now only Pituffik Space Base remains, staffed by about 650 people, including 200 active-duty U.S. military personnel.
Reuters details that two new sites will be established under the agreement. One is at Narsarsuaq on Greenland’s southern tip, previously home to Bluie West One military base, operational from 1942 to 1958. This base peaked with 4,000 personnel, supporting around 10,000 aircraft towards WWII theaters in Europe and North Africa. The site became less used due to mid-air refueling advancements and Thule Air Base’s opening in northern Greenland.
The other site will utilize Mestersvig, an eastern Greenland military outpost currently occupied by the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, a Danish special forces unit.
Details on Trump’s Agreement With Greenland
Copenhagen cautiously welcomed Trump’s deal, which enhances NATO’s oversight over Arctic security, beyond the control of the U.S. and Denmark. While details were initially scarce, the U.S. State Department described the deal as an “unprecedented agreement” ensuring U.S. security interests without costing taxpayers.
The State Department also guaranteed permanent U.S. security control over Greenland, incorporating the island into North America’s strategic defense area.
A statement highlighted protection against non-allied military bases or troop presence in Greenland. It emphasized that China and Russia are barred from establishing bases, deploying troops, or investing in sensitive sectors in Greenland. This agreement persists indefinitely, remaining effective even if Greenland attains independence.
Jeppe Kofod from the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center commented that the deal strengthens U.S. security presence while respecting Greenland’s sovereignty and self-determination.
Newsweek’s Martyn AI assistant contributed to this story, in collaboration with editors John Fitzpatrick and Gray R. Thomas.