The Arctic region is currently experiencing heightened geopolitical tensions as the United States deploys military aircraft to Greenland and Denmark significantly boosts its troop presence, often in collaboration with NATO allies. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced on January 19, 2026, that its aircraft would soon arrive at Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) in Greenland, describing these as long-planned activities coordinated with Denmark for North American defense. Simultaneously, Denmark, an autonomous territory of which Greenland is a part, has begun reinforcing its military presence on the island. This move includes deploying additional personnel, surveillance assets, naval units, and potentially combat aircraft, with support from European allies such as Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated that this increased activity is a natural continuation of efforts initiated in 2025, driven by "security policy tensions" spreading to the Arctic. These developments come amid a renewed and assertive push by former US President Donald Trump to acquire Greenland. Trump has repeatedly emphasized Greenland's strategic importance for US national security, warning that without US control, China or Russia could gain influence. He has even threatened tariffs on European countries that oppose the acquisition. However, both Greenlandic and Danish officials have consistently and firmly rejected any such proposals, reiterating that Greenland is not for sale. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen publicly stated that Greenland chooses Denmark over the United States. The situation underscores growing concerns within NATO about the stability of the alliance amidst this dispute.