The Netherlands is moving towards a military deployment in the Arctic to protect Greenland
The Netherlands is preparing for the possibility of carrying out a NATO mission in the Arctic region aimed at securing Greenland, amid rising geopolitical tensions following previous threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of the Danish territory.
According to the Dutch newspaper de Telegraaf, discussions are accelerating regarding the deployment of Dutch marines, F-35 fighters, submarines, and other ground units. The Netherlands is seen as a strong candidate for the mission due to its extensive experience in military operations in extremely cold polar environments.
The Dutch Marines receive regular training in Norway, which includes survival skills, skiing, navigation, and conducting amphibious landings, which are military operations involving the transition from ships to shores under harsh combat conditions. A source close to the government told the newspaper that preparations are underway in anticipation of an official request from NATO for Dutch participation.
Colonel Edwin Hofma, an officer in the Dutch Marine Corps, confirmed that his country's capabilities in this field are rare, noting that only a few countries are able to operate efficiently in Arctic conditions. He pointed out that 1,000 Dutch soldiers participated last year in the 'Joint Viking' exercises alongside 9,000 soldiers from six other countries, conducted about 200 kilometers from the city of Murmansk, where Russian nuclear submarines are stationed.
During the exercises near Norway, the Dutch forces trained on rapid movement using snow bikes, armored vehicles, and small boats. Military teams also conducted a seven-day survival training, which included melting snow for water, relying on dry rations, and working at night to carry out mock attacks or send coordinates to targets for warships. These exercises aim to make any potential Russian military advance in the region more difficult.
Dutch surface ships and submarines are also active in Arctic waters. Last summer, NATO forces led by the Netherlands conducted exercises in the frozen Barents Sea, where crews faced significant challenges due to freezing waters and ice accumulation on the ships, which could lead to loss of balance. The commander of the main ship 'Zr. Ms De Ruyter', Arian Warner, stated that Russian forces closely monitored the exercises, including the flight of a Russian patrol aircraft over the area, but he described the interaction as 'completely professional'.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed his support for the alliance's efforts to protect the Arctic region. Although no final decisions have been made yet, Dutch air defense systems and submarines are expected to play an important role in any future mission.
For his part, Dutch interim Foreign Minister David van Vijl said before the Dutch parliament Tweede Kamer that his country views positively the contribution to this mission, considering it a means to ease tensions in the important relationship between the United States and its European NATO allies. He emphasized that the territorial integrity of Greenland and the sovereignty of Denmark are non-negotiable.
The Dutch parliament also witnessed broad political support, as CDA member Dirk Boswijk proposed a motion, which was backed by eleven other parties, calling on the government to provide clear political and diplomatic support to Denmark regarding the status and position of Greenland.