World
US to build 2 military bases in Greenland under deal
BBC News··3d ago
The US, Denmark and Greenland signed a defence deal at the UN in New York allowing Washington to build bases at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig. The pact updates a 1951 agreement and reaffirms Danish sovereignty. Trump said the US would develop a large military presence. Greenland's PM called it a win-win-win. Parliaments in Denmark and Greenland must still approve.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Non-Nato states are barred from manned or unmanned military installations in Greenland under the pact.
- The US may modernise Pituffik Space Base in north-west Greenland under the same agreement.
- Base details at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig still need mutual approval from all three parties.
What's Happening
- Leaders signed the deal on Tuesday after months of tension over Trump's calls to control the territory.
- The 10-page pact keeps Greenland under Danish sovereignty and recognises self-determination.
- Washington already stations more than 100 personnel at Pituffik.
The 1951 Defence Framework
- The agreement amends a 1951 US-Denmark defence pact that already allowed US troops in Greenland.
- Narsarsuaq is a former civilian airport with deep-water access; Mestersvig hosts a Danish dog sled unit.
- Trump had previously refused to rule out force while pressing for greater Arctic access.
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