Trump takes major action amid Greenland tensions, US aircraft sent to Pitufik base
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Amid ongoing tensions related to Greenland, a fresh move by US President Donald Trump has further intensified the situation. The United States is set to deploy a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aircraft to the Pitufik Space Base in Greenland. This decision comes at a sensitive time, as Trump has repeatedly spoken about taking control of Greenland, adding to regional unease.
However, NORAD has clarified that the deployment is part of a pre-planned schedule. In a post on social media platform X, NORAD stated that its aircraft will soon arrive at the Pitufik Space Base to carry out routine activities under long-standing defense cooperation among the United States, Canada, and Denmark. NORAD also confirmed that the deployment has been coordinated with Denmark and that the Greenland government has been informed in advance.
NORAD is responsible for air and space defense across North America, covering Alaska, Canada, and the continental United States. This move follows shortly after a multinational military exercise led by the Danish armed forces. The exercise took place at a time when diplomatic tensions between Washington and Copenhagen remain high.
The multinational drill involved participation from Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and Finland. These countries deployed limited military personnel in Greenland with a focus on Arctic security. Denmark had also invited the United States to take part in the exercise.
Meanwhile, President Trump has continued to push efforts to gain control over Greenland and has threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark, the United Kingdom, and other European nations. Trump has argued that control over Greenland is essential for US national security, citing growing Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic region. While offering talks with European countries, he warned that if no agreement is reached, tariffs could rise by 10 percent from February 1, 2026, and up to 25 percent from June 1, 2026.