US to Deploy NORAD Aircraft at Greenland Base Amid Trump’s Acquisition Push

US, Jan 20 : The United States will deploy a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aircraft to Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base, even as diplomatic tensions rise over President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

NORAD said the aircraft will arrive in the coming days and will support activities that were planned well in advance. The deployment, it added, has been fully coordinated with the governments of Denmark and Greenland.

The move comes amid strained relations between Washington and Copenhagen following Trump’s recent statements reviving his long-standing interest in Greenland.

Deployment Coordinated With Denmark and Greenland: NORAD

In a post on X, NORAD said the aircraft would operate alongside forces from the United States and Canada as part of its routine defence activities.

“North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aircraft will soon arrive at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland. Along with aircraft operating from bases in the continental United States and Canada, they will support various long planned NORAD activities, building on the enduring defence cooperation between the United States and Canada, as well as the Kingdom of Denmark,” the post said.

NORAD emphasised that all diplomatic clearances have been secured.

“This activity has been coordinated with the Kingdom of Denmark, and all supporting forces operate with the requisite diplomatic clearances. The Government of Greenland is also informed of planned activities,” it added.

NORAD routinely conducts sustained and dispersed operations across its three regions Alaska, Canada and the continental United States  as part of North America’s integrated air defence framework.

Military Activity Follows Trump’s Tariff Warnings

The US deployment follows a multinational military exercise led by Danish forces in Greenland, held amid growing friction with Washington.

Several European countries, including Sweden, France, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, have sent small military contingents to participate in the exercise, which focuses on Arctic security. Denmark had also invited the United States to take part.

Trump has meanwhile stepped up pressure on Denmark and other European nations over Greenland, warning of tariffs if they refuse to negotiate a sale of the territory.

In recent social media posts, Trump cited national security concerns, pointing to China’s and Russia’s expanding interest in the Arctic. He said he was open to talks but warned of tariffs of 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, if no agreement is reached, adding that it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support