With a population of around 60,000, Greenland could be compared to any small village in parts of the world with a similar population. Greenland’s distinct geography and rich mineral resources have sparked considerable interest, fuelled in part by Donald Trump’s surprise announcement, made on the eve of his presidency, that he was interested in buying the island.
Greenland comprises almost 840,000 square miles; more than 80% is covered either by ice cap or smaller glaciers, but in spite of this hostile terrain and topography, the region has a significant strategic relevance for the US. Historically, during the 19th century, the United States acquired various territories, either through purchases or other means, such as treaties. Notable examples of such acquisitions include Louisiana, Florida, and Oregon.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, with a potential pathway to independence through constitutional alterations in Denmark, subject to a referendum in Greenland. If the US were to successfully acquire Greenland, it would become the second-largest country in the world by area. This is not the first time that Trump has shown interest in acquiring Greenland. During his first term too, he had pronounced his interest in acquiring Greenland. While the idea of purchasing the world’s largest island may not be as appealing (and doable) in the 21st century, Trump could consider other means, including military or economic pressure, to secure Greenland. In any case, prior to taking over the presidency, he had already framed Greenland within a larger geostrategic context and now has around four years to fulfil his wish.
The US has long viewed Greenland as a strategically important region. The Monroe Doctrine, established in the early 19th century, asserted that European powers should not interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere, and that European colonialism in the region was unacceptable. In 1941, the US had occupied Greenland after Nazi Germany entered Denmark.
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The US was present in Greenland even after the end of the second world war. Since the 1950s onwards the US has had a significant role in Greenland’s defence. They were in control of the Thule Air Base, which is in northwestern Greenland and hosts their communications centre. The base functioned as an intermediate stop on the transpolar air route between North America and northern Europe. The base hosted a ballistic missile early warning station since 1961 till the early 21st century.
Presently, the geopolitical importance of Greenland has evolved well beyond being just a typical military base. Today, there are growing opportunities to access vast natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas. Greenland has become a key player in Arctic politics, recognised for its military and economic significance. Predictably, major powers like the US, Russia, and China are intensifying their involvement in the region.
Currently, US interests in Greenland can be viewed from three key perspectives – military, political, and economic. One often less debated aspect of these interests is the strategic importance of the region for the US Space Force. Greenland plays a critical role in US space and missile defence capabilities, particularly through the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), which is integral to the US military’s surveillance and defence infrastructure.
The base supports missile warning systems, satellite communications, and space operations. This is a crucial military installation for the US security agencies. Obviously, Greenland is a key asset in the broader framework of US national security, especially in the context of emerging threats in space and the Arctic region.
This December 20, the US Space Force marked its fifth anniversary. Formally established by the Trump administration in 2019, it became the sixth branch of the US armed forces. Over the past five years, this dedicated defence entity has undergone significant evolution, growing to approximately 15,000 personnel.
In 2024, the US Space Force achieved 93 successful launches and has ambitious plans for 2025, already completing five space launches in the first half of January 2025. The US Space Force is responsible for operating a wide range of space systems, including weather satellites, GPS navigation networks, broadband internet, and early-warning missile detection systems.
Its role encompasses not only launching and managing satellites but also ensuring their safety. With the growing counterspace capabilities of nations like China and Russia, the US Space Force’s role has become more critical in protecting these assets. This concern is mostly relevant to the US’s space warfare and security strategies, with key structures located in Greenland playing an important role in the broader defence architecture. Understanding the role of these assets is crucial to understanding the US’s strategic position in space security.
Pituffik Space Base (SB), the northernmost Department of Defence installation, is operated by the 821st Space Base Group as part of the US Space Base Delta 1. Pituffik SB is crucial for the US and Denmark’s mutual defence agreements. The strategic position of this base supports space superiority, missile warning, missile defence, and space surveillance. There are five Pituffik SB units. These units have different responsibilities from force protection, ensuring space superiority, undertaking Arctic scientific research, providing mission support, giving early warnings and managing satellite communications.
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In the near future, the US Space Force will focus on several key areas to maintain and strengthen the US leadership in space domain. A major priority could be expanding their counter-space programme and enhancing the ability to protect their space assets from adversaries. Today, the Space Force is also working on designing and developing next-generation satellite systems for communication, navigation, and intelligence gathering.
Given advancements in hypersonic missile technology, agencies have already begun developing new missile defence systems to address the emerging threat posed by hypersonic weapons. In this context, a military base in Greenland will be vital for supporting missile defence architecture; it will be a strategic location for the US for monitoring and responding to potential threats.
Greenland’s significance for the US Space Force also lies in its role as a hub for data collation, satellite tracking and space situational awareness (SSA) – all of which are important elements of the US national security in the modern era. Over the years, this base has emerged as one of the most critical facilities for various space and missile defence operations.
Understandably, the US cannot afford any interference in the operations of Pituffik SB and any possible deactivation of an Arctic ground station. However, Pituffik SB exists because of agreements between the US and Denmark and the US needs to be mindful of this. Any attempt by the US to make Greenland a part of its territory either by purchase or force could negatively impact US security interests. Diplomacy would be a more effective approach, if the US seeks to strengthen its presence on this world’s largest island.
Ajey Lele researches space issues and is the author of the book Institutions That Shaped Modern India: ISRO.
