United States–Denmark Military Partnership

While Denmark may not have the largest military, its location, Arctic assets, and NATO contributions make it an essential U.S. ally. From hosting U.S. radar stations in Greenland to supporting special forces missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Denmark punches above its weight in Western defense. The 2023 U.S.-Denmark Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) further deepened military ties by allowing U.S. forces access to Danish military bases and expanding security collaboration in Greenland and the Arctic. As Arctic security grows in importance, U.S.-Danish cooperation is expanding into missile defense, naval operations, and intelligence-sharing, reinforcing NATO’s northern defenses.

History and Strategic Context

Cold War and NATO Integration (1949–1991): Denmark joined NATO in 1949, aligning its defense strategy with the U.S. and Western Europe. The U.S. established military installations in Greenland, particularly Thule Air Base, to monitor Soviet activity and support early missile warning systems.
Post-Cold War Security Cooperation (1991–2020s): Denmark has been a strong U.S. ally in global security operations, contributing forces to:
- Kosovo (1999, NATO operations)
- Afghanistan (2001–2021, NATO ISAF & Resolute Support Mission)
- Iraq (2003–2011, U.S.-led coalition operations)
- Denmark modernized its military capabilities and deepened ties with U.S. special forces.
U.S.-Denmark Defense Cooperation Agreement (2023): Grants U.S. military access to Danish bases for troop deployments, training, and defense logistics. Expands U.S.-Denmark Arctic security coordination to counter Russian and Chinese activity in the High North.

Key Defense Agreements and Initiatives

U.S.-Denmark Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) (2023): Allows U.S. troops to operate from Danish military facilities. Strengthens bilateral intelligence-sharing and Arctic defense cooperation.
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Defense Technology Sharing: Denmark operates U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, integrating into NATO’s air defense networkThe Danish Navy acquired Aegis-equipped frigates and SM-2 missile defense systems for Baltic Sea security.
Joint Military Exercises and Training:
- Baltic Operations (BALTOPS): U.S.-Denmark naval exercises in the Baltic Sea.
- Arctic Edge: Cold-weather warfare training with U.S. and NATO forces.
- Trident Juncture: NATO-wide military drills focused on Scandinavian and Arctic security.

Key Military Cooperation Areas

Arctic and Greenland Security: Denmark and the U.S. collaborate on early warning systems, space surveillance, and Arctic military infrastructure.
Thule Air Base in Greenland: A strategic U.S. radar and missile defense site.
Baltic Sea and Nordic Defense Integration: Denmark supports U.S. and NATO deterrence efforts in the Baltic region, particularly against Russian aggression.
Cybersecurity and Intelligence Sharing: Denmark is part of NATO’s cyber defense initiatives and cooperates with U.S. intelligence agencies on counterespionage operations.

Strategic Significance

Strengthens NATO’s Northern Flank: Denmark plays a key role in securing the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and Arctic regions.
Arctic Security and Energy Infrastructure: U.S.-Denmark cooperation helps counter Russia’s Arctic militarization and China’s strategic investments in Greenland.
Enhances U.S. Force Mobility in Europe: The DCA allows U.S. forces to use Danish bases for rapid deployment and NATO reinforcement.
Deterring Russian Naval Expansion: Denmark’s naval forces are critical to NATO’s anti-submarine and maritime defense capabilities in the North Atlantic.

United States–Denmark Military Partnership

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