US President Trump had recently said that he would not rule out the possibility of using military force to gain control of the Panama Canal and Greenland (currently owned by Denmark).

Denmark vs US: In a major development impacting the geopolitics in the region, a country is rising against the whims of the United States of America led by President Donald Trump. In a recent move, Denmark has announced the investment of 14.6 billion Danish Krone (about $2.05 billion) to strengthen Arctic and North Atlantic security. For those unversed, US President Trump had recently said that he would not rule out the possibility of using military force to gain control of the Panama Canal and Greenland (currently owned by Denmark).

The broad political agreement includes funding of three new Arctic navy vessels, two additional long-range drones and satellites for improved surveillance, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said at a press conference.

Following more than a decade of drastic cuts in defence spending, last year Denmark allocated 190 billion Danish crowns ($26 billion) for its military over a 10-year span, some of which will be for the Arctic.

The deal presented on Monday set aside a portion of that budget to the Arctic region. The political parties agreed to negotiate more funding for the military Arctic later this year.

Denmark’s mega plan to strengthen Arctic defence

The plans will include three new arctic naval vessels and two long-range drones, increased surveillance and crisis training for the local residents. Poulsen said in a press conference that these preparations are just the initial phase, with further plans expected to be finalised by summer.

According to Danish Broadcasting Corporation, the new vessels would enter service within five or six years, expected to replace existing vessels.

When questioned about whether these measures would “calm down” US President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland, Poulsen refrained from a direct response, underlining the importance of co-operation with NATO allies, including Canada, the US and Norway.

As mentioned earlier, President Trump has recently reiterated the US interest in Greenland, which remains an autonomous area under Danish sovereignty.

Referring to an upcoming meeting on Tuesday with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Europe is in a serious situation. “With war on the continent and changes in the geopolitical reality. In such a time, unity is crucial.”

(With inputs from agencies)