The ramp at Thule Air Base. USAF
Warzone/The Drive: The U.S. Can’t Buy Greenland But Thule Air Base Is Set To Become More Vital Than Ever Before
With Russia drastically expanding its capabilities above the Arctic Circle, the frigid base will be key to America's own plans for the region.
Recent events have highlighted the increasing strategic value of the Arctic as both Russia and the United States seek to expand their military footprints into the northernmost regions of both hemispheres. Yet it is abundantly clear that Russia is putting huge strategic importance on the Arctic, as evidenced from its many investments in the region, while the United States lags behind in terms of a permanent footprint above the Arctic Circle.
That strategic value took center stage recently when President Donald Trump stated that his administration was considering attempting to purchase Greenland from Denmark. "It's just something we've talked about," Trump told the Wall Street Journal. "Denmark essentially owns [Greenland]. We're very good allies with Denmark. We've protected Denmark like we protect large portions of the world, so the concept came up. Strategically, it's interesting. And, we'd be interested. We'll talk to them a little bit.”
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WNU editor: The U.S. base at Thule has been operational since 1943. It looks like it is going to be expanded in the coming years.
