Nuuk, Greenland – A Royal Danish Air Force C-130J Hercules transport aircraft landed at Nuuk Airport on January 14, 2026, at around 10:40 PM local time, beginning Denmark’s military reinforcement of the Arctic territory. The landing was captured by Greenlandic resident Orla Joelsen.

The aircraft taxiied along the snow-dusted runway under sub-zero temperatures, carrying Danish troops and equipment as part of a broader operation to strengthen Greenland’s defense amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Soldiers were transported from the airport to Arctic Command headquarters, confirming the military nature of the deployment. Additional aircraft, including flights to Kangerlussuaq, and small contingents from European allies such as France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the UK, are joining joint exercises and presence operations.

The operation follows renewed U.S. interest in Greenland and concerns over Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Denmark, as Greenland’s sovereign authority, is reinforcing its Arctic posture through bilateral and multilateral support, though not under formal NATO command.

The deployment highlights Greenland’s strategic position and the Arctic mobility of the C-130J, signaling European readiness in the High North.

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