Europe scrambles troops to Greenland as Trump’s takeover push triggers Arctic power showdown

A transport aircraft from the German military, the Bundeswehr, took off for the Danish military base at Karup, where officers from several countries were assembling before a joint flight to Greenland due for Friday.

The Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that 13 soldiers would be sent in a "reconnaissance" team to "explore the framework conditions for possible military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region."

The deployment came hours after French President Emmanuel Macron announced French troops were on the way to Greenland to participate in "joint exercises" organized by Denmark under the name "Operation Arctic Endurance." Sweden and Norway have also confirmed their participation.

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a member of the European Union and NATO.

The largely autonomous territory has attracted the attention of US President Donald Trump, who is determined to take it over for security reasons despite opposition from Greenland, Copenhagen and Washington's European allies.

Following high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Denmark and the US have a fundamental difference of opinion about the future of Greenland.

Denmark has questioned the future of NATO if the US continues its sabre-rattling.

According to a statement from the Danish Foreign Ministry, the aim of the military exercises is to train for deployments under the Arctic's special conditions and to strengthen NATO's presence in the area.