NORAD aircraft to arrive in Greenland for 'long-planned' activities
Ottawa, Jan 20
North American Aerospace Defence Command said its aircraft will soon arrive at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland to support a series of "long-planned NORAD activities."
The aircraft will join other assets operating from bases in the continental United States and Canada, said NORAD on X, adding that the activities build on "the enduring defense cooperation" between the United States and Canada, as well as the Kingdom of Denmark, Xinhua news agency reported.
NORAD said the activity has been coordinated with Denmark and all supporting forces operate with the requisite diplomatic clearances, adding that the government of Greenland has been informed of the planned activities.
The command stated that it "routinely conducts sustained, dispersed operations in the defense of North America" through one or all three regions -- Alaska, Canada and the continental United States.
Canadian media reported Sunday that a Royal Canadian Air Force contingent was already taking part in the NORAD exercise in Greenland, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was considering a deployment of additional forces to join Danish-led sovereignty exercises, which may involve drills focused on safeguarding the Arctic island's critical infrastructure.
Meawhile, European countries are hardening their stance amid growing condemnation across the continent after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on eight European countries in an effort to advance his push to "take over" Greenland, prompting mounting calls for a tough, coordinated European response and for the bloc to deploy its full range of countermeasures.
In a social media post over the weekend, Trump said the United States would impose a 10-per cent tariff from February 1 on goods from eight European countries opposing his ambition to control Greenland. He warned the tariff rate would rise to 25 per cent on June 1 and remain in place until a deal is reached for the "complete and total purchase" of Greenland.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Trump's approach is so disruptive. Threatening tariffs to buy Greenland? It reads like a bad movie plot. It's no wonder Europe is getting its act together for a coordinated response. The world needs stability, not these kinds of shocks.
While the military exercises are "long-planned," the timing feels significant with all this political tension. Hope it doesn't escalate further. The focus should be on protecting critical infrastructure and the fragile Arctic environment, not on territorial grabs.
As an Indian, I have to say this is a classic case of powerful nations flexing muscles. We see similar posturing in our own neighborhood. It's always the smaller regions like Greenland that get caught in the middle. Their sovereignty must be respected.
The article mentions Canada's involvement. With climate change opening up Arctic routes, this is about securing future trade and resources. India is investing in the Northern Sea Route. Our policy makers need a clear strategy for this new Great Game.
With all due respect to the need for defense cooperation, the tone of the article and the reported US actions seem unnecessarily aggressive. Diplomacy should be the first, second, and third tool, not tariffs and military shows of force. This creates more problems than it solves.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.