US, Denmark and Greenland Sign Security Deal Allowing New American Bases

The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a security agreement on Tuesday that expands American military access to Greenland while leaving the territory under Danish sovereignty. The deal was signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Under the agreement, Washington may establish military bases at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, and modernise and expand its activities at Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. US aircraft will be permitted to fly over and land in any part of Greenlandic territory, including its territorial waters.

The pact also allows the United States to set up its Golden Dome defence system in Greenland, giving Washington a broader role in the island's air and missile defence architecture. It further provides that no non-NATO state may establish manned or unmanned military installations in Greenland.

Speaking at the signing, US President Donald Trump described the arrangement as a long-term relationship and said it would give the United States permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland. In his UN address before the ceremony, he said no US adversary would be allowed to establish a military presence or make sensitive investments there without express written approval.

A key provision addresses Greenland's possible future independence. Should Greenland become independent, Denmark and Greenland must work together to ensure the new state agrees to remain in NATO, including by applying for membership, and honours the defence agreement.

The deal also restricts foreign investment. Investors from countries outside NATO and the European Union will be barred from certain sensitive sectors, with the agreement citing potential security threats, and the parties will cooperate against espionage in Greenland.

Conditions are attached to US access, which must be exercised in a manner that respects Greenlandic society and its way of life. Denmark will continue to strengthen its own security posture in the Arctic.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the agreement, saying it would enhance collective security and support a safer and more stable future.

The agreement follows months of tension over Trump's repeated calls for the United States to acquire Greenland, which he argued was necessary to prevent Russia or China from gaining a stronger Arctic foothold. The new pact does not transfer Greenland to the United States; it expands military access and security cooperation instead.

The agreement is subject to the necessary parliamentary procedures in the Kingdom of Denmark together with Greenland before its provisions can take full effect.