Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (V) has proposed building a new Arctic Command headquarters in Nuuk, Greenland. The new facility would replace the current rented offices on the harbour. The proposal is expected to be discussed in September during negotiations on a new Arctic agreement.
Outdated Arctic Command facilities in Nuuk
At present, Arctic Command, which oversees the security of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, is based in former offices of the seafood company Royal Greenland. The facilities, owned by a private landlord, are considered inadequate for the military’s growing presence in the Arctic.
Nuuk’s strategic position as the administrative and logistical hub of Greenland adds to the urgency of upgrading the headquarters. Poulsen argued that a permanent military headquarters is essential for Denmark’s long-term security strategy in the region.
Revisiting past Arctic bases and cost decisions
Until 2011, the command operated from the naval station Grønnedal (Kangilinnguit), a former U.S. base south of Nuuk. That facility was closed under a defence agreement to streamline operations in the North Atlantic, with the decision justified by cost savings of around 15 million kroner (€2 million) compared to building a new HQ. Poulsen’s new proposal reflects a shift towards greater investment in Arctic defence.
Denmark–Greenland strategic defence cooperation
The minister is currently in Nuuk to meet Greenland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs (Naalakkersuisoq for udenrigsanliggender) Vivian Motzfeldt. They are joined by Germany’s Deputy Defence Minister, underlining the international dimension of Arctic security. Poulsen emphasised that a stronger and more permanent Danish presence requires better facilities and renewed investment in the unity of the Danish Realm (Rigsfællesskabet).
The proposal comes amid increasing attention to the Arctic from major powers. USA President Donald Trump repeatedly expressed interest in controlling Greenland for strategic reasons, while Vice President J.D. Vance recently questioned Denmark’s ability to defend the territory. These geopolitical pressures, combined with NATO’s focus on the High North, add urgency to Denmark’s effort to modernise its Arctic defence infrastructure.
Outlook for the September agreement
Poulsen acknowledged that the project will depend on parliamentary support. “Nothing is decided until we reach an agreement, but my starting point is that we will have a new Arctic deal with the parties in the Folketing in September,” he said. The upcoming negotiations are also expected to include investments in ships, drones and an expanded Arctic presence.
A decision to build a new headquarters would symbolise Denmark’s commitment to maintaining security in the Arctic while reinforcing cooperation within the Danish Realm and with NATO allies. The September agreement will therefore be a key test of how far Copenhagen is prepared to go in strengthening its Arctic defence posture for the years ahead. Such a move would also anchor the establishment of a new Arctic Command headquarters in Nuuk, highlighting its role as the centre of Denmark’s Arctic defence strategy.
