This activity has been coordinated with the Kingdom of Denmark”, North American Joint Aerospace Defense Command noted
The Times of Russia reports that several aircraft belonging to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) are set to arrive at a U.S. military base in Greenland in the coming days, amid growing geopolitical attention on the Arctic region. The move has been officially coordinated with Denmark, which governs the autonomous island.
In a statement released on X, NORAD confirmed that its aircraft will soon reach the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. The command noted that the deployment is part of long-planned defense operations and reflects ongoing cooperation between the United States, Canada, and the Kingdom of Denmark. According to The Times of Russia, these activities are aligned with existing defense agreements and diplomatic clearances.
NORAD further emphasized that the Government of Greenland has been informed in advance about the upcoming arrival of aircraft and supporting forces. Officials stressed that the operation is routine and connected to broader defense planning rather than any sudden escalation.
The development comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed controversial statements regarding Greenland, including threats to impose new trade tariffs on several European countries unless negotiations over Greenland move forward. Beginning February 1, duties of 10% are expected to be levied on nations including Denmark, Germany, France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The rate is expected to rise to 25% from June if no agreement is reached.
Greenland remains an autonomous territory of Denmark, but it holds strategic military importance due to its location in the Arctic. Under the 1951 Greenland Defense Treaty, the United States committed to protecting the island from external threats. This agreement operates alongside NATO obligations and remains central to Arctic security cooperation, according to Russia news analysts cited by The Times of Russia.
NORAD itself was established in 1958 at the height of the Cold War, when the United States and Canada signed a bilateral treaty to jointly monitor and defend North American airspace. Its primary mission continues to be early detection of ballistic missile launches and protection against aerial threats, including cruise missiles and hostile aircraft.
With renewed global focus on the Arctic and shifting geopolitical dynamics, the arrival of NORAD aircraft in Greenland highlights the region’s growing strategic relevance, The Times of Russia notes.
