October 2, 2026

Bases, Access and Investment: Greenland’s New Security Deal

On 22 September 2026, the governments of the United States (US), the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland signed an agreement amending the 1951 defense framework. That framework allowed agreed military bases in Greenland for NATO defense, with rights to station personnel, build facilities and move between defense areas. It provided the foundation for subsequent American military operations on the island. 1951 Agreement, Articles II–V

The 2026 Agreement contains the following principal terms:

Military facilities. The US may expand activities at Pituffik Space Base and establish defense areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, with mutually agreed technical details. Further defense areas involve consultation and mutually agreed implementation details. (Article IV)

Approvals and access. Requests for unmanned installations outside defense areas receive accelerated review. US forces receive free access to and movement between defense areas through Greenland by land, air and sea. US aircraft also receive broad overflight and landing rights, and public vessels receive undersea access, subject to agreed restrictions. (Articles V–VI)

Local contracts. Facility contracts must go to Greenlandic suppliers to the maximum extent possible, taking account of their capabilities and feasibility. (Article IV)

Foreign involvement. Potentially threatening control, influence or sensitive information access in sensitive sectors is restricted for states and investors outside NATO, NATO partner countries and the EU. Exceptions require agreement among the parties. Non-NATO military installations and persistent military forces also require agreement. (Articles IX–X)

Duration. There is no expiry date; amendments require mutual consent. Upon Greenlandic independence, Denmark and Greenland must ensure continued NATO participation and assumption of relevant defence obligations. (Article XI)

Entry into force. Completion of the necessary Danish and Greenlandic parliamentary procedures must be followed by diplomatic notification to the US. (Article XII)