Archive · 17 Sep 2025
Denmark Leads Greenland Military Exercise, Without US
Denmark is having a big military practice in Greenland, but the United States wasn't invited.
This exercise, called Arctic Light 2025, involves soldiers from several countries.
It is designed to show that Denmark is in charge of Greenland.
The exercise also prepares for more activity from Russia and China in the Arctic.
The U.S. has a base in Greenland but is not joining this practice.
The U.S. says they still work closely with Denmark and other allies in the area.
Denmark is leading Arctic Light 2025, the largest military exercise in Greenland's modern history.
The U.S. military was not invited to participate in the exercise.
The exercise includes over 550 soldiers from Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.
The exercise prepares for potential increased activity in the Arctic by Russia and China.
The U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen stated they continue robust military cooperation with Denmark and other Arctic allies.
- Who
- Denmark and other NATO allies, including the US
- What
- Denmark is leading a large military exercise in Greenland without U.S. participation.
- When
- September 9-19, 2025
- Where
- Greenland
- Why
- To demonstrate Denmark's stewardship of Greenland and prepare for potential activity in the Arctic.
Denmark's Stance
US Perspective
Exercise Participation
Denmark's Stance
Denmark is leading the exercise with other NATO allies, excluding the U.S.
US Perspective
The U.S. continues robust military cooperation with Denmark and other Arctic allies, despite not participating in the exercise.
- Exercise Name
- Arctic Light 2025
- Participating Countries
- Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway
- Number of Soldiers
- Over 550
- U.S. Participation
- None
- Start Date
- September 9
- End Date
- September 19