Denmark Deploys F-35A in Greenland for the First Time

Two Royal Danish Air Force F-35A fighter jets have been deployed to Greenland for the first time.

On September 16, 2026, they landed at Kangerlussuaq Airport alongside U.S. F-16s and Canadian CF-18s, NATO reported.

The deployment took place as part of NATO’s Arctic Sentry initiative, launched in February 2026. Its goal is to strengthen Allied forces’ military presence and capabilities in the Arctic region.

A total of two Danish F-35As, four U.S. F-16s, and two Canadian CF-18s arrived in Kangerlussuaq.

The Danish command emphasized that the long-range multinational deployment was challenging due to harsh Arctic conditions.

This is not the first appearance of F-35s in Greenland. U.S. F-35As have been periodically deployed to Pituffik Space Base, formerly Thule Air Base, for several years.

The latest such deployment took place on September 9, 2026, as part of the Arctic Vanguard operation.

Danish F-35s also flew over Greenland before the current deployment.

In particular, on January 16, 2026, two F-35A Lightning II fighter jets flew directly from Skrydstrup Air Base to patrol the island’s eastern coast.

Denmark has also previously deployed F-16 fighter jets to Greenland. On June 25, 2025, two Danish F-16s conducted a short-term deployment to the Kangerlussuaq area to take part in exercises and carry out missions in the Arctic.

Danish authorities say that air, maritime, and ground activities aimed at enhancing the ability to operate in extreme Arctic conditions will continue in Greenland throughout 2026.

On September 19, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the White House had reached an agreement granting the United States “permanent control over security” in Greenland.