NEW YORK, September 22, 2026 — The United States, Denmark and Greenland have signed a security agreement that opens the door to a much larger American military presence on the Arctic island, while affirming that Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The agreement allows the U.S. to expand operations at Pituffik Space Base and establish additional defence areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, with the details of those sites still to be agreed. It also provides for further defence areas through consultation, broader access for American aircraft and vessels, and cooperation on a possible “Golden Dome” missile defence system.
The deal amends a defence agreement dating to 1951. It bars non-NATO countries from establishing a lasting military presence in Greenland unless the parties agree, and places limits on potentially sensitive investments by outside states. It has no end date and is written to continue if Greenland becomes independent, provided it remains in NATO and assumes the agreement’s obligations.
That is a substantial strategic gain for Washington after months of tension over President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland. Denmark retains sovereignty, and the agreement explicitly recognizes Greenlanders’ right to decide their future. The pact has been signed but is not yet in force: Denmark and Greenland must complete the necessary parliamentary procedures first.
