Islamabad (nytoday): The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a joint defence body of the United States and Canada, has announced that a new batch of US warplanes will soon arrive at a US military base in Greenland. The information was shared through NORAD’s official social media channels.
According to the statement, the Greenlandic authorities have been formally informed about the deployment. NORAD emphasised that the move is being carried out with full communication and coordination with the Danish government. All required diplomatic clearances have been obtained by US forces, and the deployment is taking place strictly in line with a pre-approved operational plan.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Under a 1951 defence agreement between the United States and Denmark, the US assumed responsibility for Greenland’s security against potential external threats. This strategic arrangement has remained in place for decades, reflecting Greenland’s importance in Arctic and transatlantic defence.
In 1958, during the early years of the Cold War, the United States and Canada established NORAD to strengthen regional security. The primary mission of NORAD is the early detection of airborne and ballistic missile threats, along with coordinated defence monitoring across North America and surrounding regions.
Beyond its strategic military significance, Greenland is also viewed as a region of growing economic interest due to its vast mineral potential. Although large-scale mining of rare minerals has not yet begun, the Danish Geological Survey estimates that Greenland holds around 36.1 million tonnes of rare mineral resources. Of the 34 mineral elements identified in the region, 25 are considered globally critical, highlighting Greenland’s increasing geopolitical and economic relevance.
FAQs
1. Why are US warplanes being deployed to Greenland?
The deployment is part of a pre-planned defence strategy to strengthen regional security and monitoring in the Arctic.
2. Has Denmark approved the arrival of US warplanes in Greenland?
Yes, the deployment is fully coordinated with Denmark, and all necessary diplomatic permissions have been obtained.
3. What role does NORAD play in this deployment?
NORAD oversees joint US–Canada defence operations, including airspace monitoring and early detection of potential threats.