WASHINGTON, DC – The Pentagon is planning to shift its military oversight of Greenland from U.S. European Command (EUCOM) to U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), a move that U.S. officials indicate signals a view of the territory as more integral to the defense of the U.S. homeland.

Key Facts:

• Command Reassignment: The Trump administration intends to move Greenland from the operational purview of U.S. European Command to U.S. Northern Command.
• Symbolic and Strategic Shift: This change is seen as symbolically treating Greenland more like Canada in terms of U.S. defense and less like a European territory aligned with Denmark.
• Arctic Focus & Missile Defense: The move aligns with increased U.S. strategic interest in the Arctic and could facilitate the expansion of missile defense systems, such as the Golden Dome radar network.

This planned realignment of command responsibility for Greenland represents a concrete step in reflecting the territory’s growing strategic importance to the United States, particularly concerning Arctic security and homeland defense.

A Geopolitical Readjustment

The decision to place Greenland under NORTHCOM, which is responsible for the defense of North America, is a significant gesture. Officials suggest this change would align the vast Arctic island more closely with the United States and Canada in terms of defense planning. This effectively separates Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, from Denmark and the Faroe Islands operationally within the Pentagon’s command structure, as the latter two will remain under EUCOM. How will this division impact diplomatic and defense relations within NATO and specifically with Denmark?

Enhancing Arctic Capabilities

The strategic location of Greenland in the North Atlantic makes it a critical area for monitoring Russian and Chinese activity in the increasingly accessible Arctic region. The transfer to NORTHCOM could pave the way for an enhanced U.S. military presence and infrastructure, including the potential expansion of the Golden Dome missile shield with additional radar systems on the island. The U.S. already maintains a significant military presence at Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), the Pentagon’s northernmost deepwater port. Vice President JD Vance, during a visit to the base in March, reportedly urged Greenland to “cut a deal” with Washington, suggesting it would be better off under the U.S. security umbrella.

Broader Implications and Past Interest

This move comes amidst a broader review of the Unified Command Plan by Pentagon leadership, which outlines the global areas of responsibility for U.S. combatant commanders. It also occurs against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s previously expressed interest in acquiring Greenland. During his first term, Trump raised the idea of buying the territory, and has reportedly discussed it repeatedly since winning the election last November. While the Danish government has firmly stated Greenland is not for sale, Trump has not ruled out military action to seize the territory, stating in a recent interview, “We need Greenland very badly.” This planned command shift is expected to be closely watched by Denmark and other NATO allies, who have expressed unease over the President’s persistent focus on the island. The Danish government reportedly pledged an additional $2 billion for Greenland security initiatives in January, partly to address U.S. security concerns.