20 Jan 2026
Greenland has a longstanding defense arrangement with the United States. On April 27, 1951, Denmark and the United States signed the Defense of Greenland Agreement, which remains in effect today.
This treaty grants the United States significant military rights in Greenland:
- The right to establish and operate military bases and “defense areas” in Greenland
- Free movement of US ships, aircraft, and military vehicles across Greenland’s territory
- The ability to construct facilities without paying rent or taxation to Denmark
- Authorization to expand military presence if deemed necessary by NATO
The most notable result of this agreement was the construction of Thule Air Base (now Pituffik Space Base) in northwest Greenland, which during the Cold War housed more than 10,000 US troops. Today, it remains the northernmost US Department of Defense installation, located 1,210 km north of the Arctic Circle.
The agreement was updated in 2004 to recognize Greenland’s Home Rule government, but the fundamental military rights granted to the United States remain unchanged. The treaty continues in force as long as both countries remain NATO members.
