Denmark sends conscripts to Greenland, signalling aim to boost Arctic defences

Denmark has sent conscripts to Greenland for the first time in recent times, as the country seeks to increase its presence in the Arctic, following US President Donald Trump's calls for the semi-autonomous island. US President Trump has accused Denmark of neglecting Arctic defence, citing national security concerns.

The conscripts are part of Denmark's new extended conscription program, designed to produce soldiers capable of operating in the strategically important and challenging region. Captain Laura Jepsen, a company commander, stated that the deployment sends a message that Denmark is committed to the region and the people living there.

Copenhagen has pledged billions of dollars to strengthen Arctic defenses following years of underinvestment. The conscripts are participating in Arctic Endurance, a Danish military exercise that trains soldiers for combat and survival in extreme cold-weather conditions. This drill is part of Arctic Sentry, a NATO mission launched this year to bolster the alliance's Arctic presence and reduce tensions within NATO, following Trump's remarks about Greenland.

Russia, which possesses the largest military presence in the Arctic, has criticized NATO's increasing activity in the region, describing it as a security threat that heightens the risk of confrontation. China has also increased its activity in the mineral-rich area, often in collaboration with Russia.

The conscripts are navigating a landscape of bare rock and open expanses without trees in sight. One of the recruits, Anton, 22, remarked that the deployment sends a message that Denmark is reinforcing itself for the future.