The U.S. Plans a Major Modernization of Its Military Base in Greenland

The Pentagon has announced plans to invest up to $25 million in upgrading the infrastructure of the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.

The majority of the funding will go toward repairing the runway, which is essential for the base’s operations, according to Task&Purpose.

Runway renovation is the largest project planned. Because of the base’s remote location and harsh climate, it depends heavily on air transport for supplies. While the base has a deep-water port, sea transport options are limited. In addition, long periods of darkness in the Arctic make reliable, high-quality airfield lighting critically important.

In addition, several facilities on the base are set to be upgraded, including the dining hall. In November, the Pentagon also announced it was seeking contractors in Denmark to build a new specialized vessel that will patrol a 53-kilometer stretch of coastline and support port operations, including responding to potential environmental incidents.

Pituffik is the only U.S. military base in Greenland and a key early-warning site for missile threats. In a tender published on SAM.gov, the Pentagon stated plans to install new aircraft landing lighting systems, build a bridge over a river, and modernize navigation markers and generators.

About 150 U.S. service members, along with allied personnel, are stationed at the base. It was established during World War II and gained its greatest significance during the Cold War as Thule Air Base. In 2023, the facility came under the control of the U.S. Space Force and received its current name.

We also have an article describing how the Ukrainian Air Force used Il-76MD aircraft to deliver supplies to Pituffik.