Greenland Security Accord Expands US Arctic Reach Without Changing Sovereignty

New York, 23 September 2026 – The United States, Denmark and Greenland have signed an agreement expanding the American military footprint in Greenland while preserving Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-government. The accord allows new bases at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, as well as an expansion of the existing Pituffik Space Base, strengthening allied capacity in an Arctic region of growing strategic and commercial importance.

Signed in New York on 22 September, the arrangement supplements the parties’ longstanding defence framework. It gives Washington additional operating locations while keeping political control with Denmark and Greenland. The text also addresses a possible future in which Greenland becomes independent, stating that it is to remain in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and assume the relevant defence obligations.