France and Denmark Discuss Possible Deployment of Troops in Greenland

28 January, 2025 French military personnel. Photo credits: Maxppp - Stephanie Para France has discussed with Denmark the possibility of deploying troops to Greenland in response to the possibility of the United States annexing the island.

This was reported by Politico with reference to the French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. In his interview with the French Sud Radio, Barrot said that France "started discussing [the deployment of troops] with Denmark" but it was not "Denmark's desire " to pursue the idea. "If Denmark calls for help, France will be there. European borders are sovereign, whether they are north, south, east or west...

No one can afford to play with our borders," he said.

French military personnel on a Zodiac Hurricane ECUME ZH-930 boat.
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p2019. Photo credits: Tom Antonov French military personnel on a Zodiac Hurricane ECUME ZH-930 boat.

2019. Photo credits: Tom Antonov

Barrot also said that during a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, his colleagues expressed "very strong support" for Copenhagen and "were ready to consider the issue [of sending troops]" if necessary.

At the same time, the French minister said he did not believe in a U.S. invasion of Greenland. Militarny recently reported that Denmark is investing £2 billion to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. In order to strengthen security and expand military capabilities in the region, the Danish government has signed the first interim agreement in cooperation with the autonomous authorities of the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

The agreement provides for the construction of three new Arctic ships that will be able to solve tasks around Greenland more efficiently and flexibly. Helicopters and drones will be able to be based on board.

A Knud Rasmussen-class P570 patrol vessel P570, July 23, 2009. Photo credits: Frank Duffy

Two additional large long-range drones with enhanced visual surveillance capabilities will also be purchased, which can monitor large areas at a great distance.

In December, it became known that the Danish Ministry of Defense would increase the defense budget to strengthen Greenland's defense capabilities. This stems from statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who described Greenland as a critical asset for the defense of the United States.

Currently, the issue of ensuring the security of Greenland is a priority, as this island is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

A large US aerospace facility is located on its territory.