US Eyes Greenland for Missile Defense, Targets Chinese and Russian Threats with ‘Golden Dome’ Project

Washington / Greenland: Despite being thousands of miles away from the Arctic, China has been asserting its influence in the region, calling itself a “near-Arctic state” in its first 2018 Arctic Policy Paper. Its massive investments in Arctic shipping routes and natural resource projects have raised serious concerns in the United States.

Trump’s Greenland Ambition

President Donald Trump has expressed strong interest in making Greenland the 51st US state, a move he sees as crucial for national security. Analysts suggest this plan is closely linked to Trump’s $175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense project, a multi-layered system designed to intercept ballistic and hypersonic missiles from space. Speaking on January 4 aboard Air Force One, Trump said:

“Greenland is strategically vital. Surrounded by Russian and Chinese activity, it’s essential for US security.”

Reality Check: No Immediate Threat

While Trump cites Chinese and Russian threats in the Arctic, US officials acknowledge there is currently no evidence of Chinese or Russian naval or submarine operations near Greenland. Two senior Nordic diplomats with access to NATO intelligence told the Financial Times on January 11:

“Recent years show no activity that would threaten US control of Greenland, contrary to Trump’s claims.”

Historical Military Significance

During World War II, the US established a secret polar base in Greenland called Camp Century. Officially described as a research station, it secretly housed nuclear weapons as part of Project Iceworm, designed to counter the Soviet Union. The project was abandoned in 1966 due to the risks posed by shifting ice sheets, with facilities buried beneath the ice.

Strategic Importance of Greenland Today

The Arctic has emerged as a hub of geopolitical competition, particularly over the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which significantly shortens transit between Europe and Asia. China has heavily invested in Arctic infrastructure, alarming the US, which views Greenland as a key platform for missile defense and space security.

Trump envisions deploying the Golden Dome system in Greenland to counter potential missile threats from Russia or China. According to Dr. Marion Mesmer, Director of International Security at Chatham House,

“Golden Dome is a multi-billion-dollar forward-looking project, often compared to Israel’s Iron Dome. It is designed to protect the US from missile attacks, and Greenland provides the ideal strategic location for this system.”

Space and Future Warfare

Future conflicts are expected to be space-centric, with countries developing anti-satellite (ASAT) and missile defense capabilities. The US, along with China, Russia, and India, is investing heavily in space-based intelligence, navigation, and defense systems. Greenland’s location makes it a critical hub for intercepting missiles that could pass over the Arctic, giving the US a significant defensive advantage.

Conclusion

Trump’s Greenland strategy is more than a territorial ambition—it represents a strategic maneuver to secure the US against missile threats from potential adversaries. By integrating Greenland into the Golden Dome missile defense network, the US aims to safeguard national security while asserting dominance in the increasingly contested Arctic region.