The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced on 19/1 that military aircraft would soon arrive at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.

"Operating alongside forces from mainland US and Canadian bases, these aircraft will support NORAD's long-planned operations, which are based on enduring defense cooperation between the US, Canada, and Denmark," the agency stated.

NORAD emphasized that the operation is coordinated with Denmark and that the Greenland government has been informed. The agency did not specify the activities in Greenland or the types of aircraft being deployed. "NORAD regularly conducts long-duration operations and disperses forces to protect North America," the announcement read.

US F-35 fighter jet at Pituffik base in 10/2025. Photo: USAF

NORAD, a unified command established by the US and Canada in 1957, is tasked with monitoring and maintaining security across North American airspace. The US military contributes the majority of forces to NORAD and often leads overseas deployments.

Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, was established in 1951. Its original purpose was an early warning site, designed to help the US counter preemptive nuclear attacks from the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Although its current scale has been reduced, Pituffik retains its strategic value as a crucial US outpost in the Arctic region. It is also the only active US military base in Greenland.

This facility hosts an upgraded early warning radar (UEWR), often described as an "all-seeing eye" for its role in providing early warnings about ballistic missile attacks. The US also maintains a satellite command and control system here to ensure real-time communication and data relay with military and reconnaissance satellites.

Location of Greenland. Graphic: BBC

NORAD's aircraft deployment occurs amid repeated statements from US President Donald Trump expressing his desire to control Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark and a NATO ally. Trump has not ruled out the possibility of using force to achieve this ambition.

Denmark has repeatedly affirmed that Greenland is "not for sale," warning that any attempt to control the island by force would spell the end of NATO. Many European countries have also voiced opposition to the US plan.

Pham Giang (According to AFP)