U.S. Signs Historic Security Agreement with Denmark, Greenland
By Nino Kopaleishvili
Monday, September 28, 2026
The United States will be allowed to expand its military presence in Greenland under a new security agreement signed by the United States, Denmark and Greenland on September 22 in New York.
The agreement allows the United States to modernize and expand its activities at Pituffik Space Base and establish additional Defense Areas at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland and Mestersvig on the island's eastern coast. It also provides a framework for establishing additional Defense Areas in Greenland in the future, subject to agreement among the parties on their location, scope, size and activities.
The agreement amends and supplements the 1951 U.S.-Danish Defense Agreement on Greenland. It was signed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The agreement has not yet entered into force. According to its text, it will take effect once Denmark and Greenland notify the United States that the necessary parliamentary procedures have been completed.
The White House described the agreement as "unprecedented," saying it provides the United States with lasting control over security interests in Greenland and the ability to defend the American continent. The White House also said the agreement comes at no cost to American taxpayers.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement aims to strengthen common security and deterrence and benefits the United States, Greenland, Denmark, NATO and Europe.
"This day represents a milestone in our longstanding cooperation. 75 years ago, we entered into an agreement about the defense of Greenland. Today, we are signing an even bigger and better agreement-a deal that can last forever," Frederiksen said, according to the White House.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described the agreement as "historical," saying Greenland remains committed to the Western alliance and is "a steadfast friend of the United States."
"Your security is our security and our security is your security. We are truly pleased with the result that strengthens our shared security and strengthens our bond as close allies," Nielsen said.
In his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, Trump also referred to the agreement, saying it would give the United States permanent control over security and other defense needs in Greenland and enable it to defend the American continent and Europe.
Under the agreement, either party may propose establishing an additional Defense Area to protect the North Atlantic Treaty area, Greenland and the American continent. The proposal must specify the location, scope, size and types of activities planned, as well as relevant mitigating measures.
The parties will then consult through the Permanent Committee and seek to reach agreement on the implementation details. If no agreement is reached within 90 days at the Permanent Committee level, consultations will be escalated first to deputy-ministerial and then ministerial levels.
The agreement also provides for stronger NATO engagement in the Arctic, including planning, military presence, exercises and joint intelligence gathering. It further provides for U.S. military access and movement between Defense Areas through Greenland by land, air and sea.
Narsarsuaq previously hosted a U.S. military base and is now set to become one of the locations for an additional Defense Area under the agreement. Mestersvig, meanwhile, is currently a Danish military station supporting the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol.
