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Topic: Diplomacy, and Trade Blog Brand: The Buzz Region: Americas, Arctic, and Europe Tags: Arms Sales, Denmark, Donald Trump, France, Greenland, Missiles, NATO, and United States Europe Threatens War over Greenland—Then Buys More Missiles from America January 16, 2026 By: Brandon J. Weichert
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If the United States really intended to invade Greenland—and the European members of NATO really intended to defend it—why would America continue selling its missiles to Europe?
French Army General Nicolas Richoux wants the United States to know that if it dares to take Greenland, then the French—and Europeans—“must fight the Americans.” He’s not the only senior European military or political figure who has been advocating hostility toward the United States—a strange prospect, given that the United States is the key backer of all European security.
Europe Just Can’t Take on America in a Fight
Indeed, prominent Europeans have been making empty threats at the Americans for weeks, as fears grow that the United States is readying to annex Greenland irrespective of what the government of Denmark wants. Should that happen, European states believe that it would basically end NATO—which, incidentally, is an outcome that Trump would hardly mind. Of course, many have been asking how much of Brussels’ chest-thumping and caterwauling about the neo-imperialism of the United States is just for show. After all, the Europeans collectively lack an impressive military.
Despite the threats, things are clearly not bad enough for Denmark to abandon their purchase of US-made AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and their associated equipment. The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Denmark which has been valued at around $45 million.
What, will these weapons be turned against America if Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth launch an invasion of Greenland?
NATO Doesn’t Amount to Much Without the US Onboard
Meanwhile, the sale is believed to support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening a NATO ally’s defense capabilities. (If you don’t yet have whiplash from this story, then you’re a savvier reader of these events than I.)
The sale includes up to 100 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, at least three AGM-114R Captive Air Test Missiles, six Hellfire (Longbow) M299 launchers, two MHU-191/M transport/handling trailers, three BRU-14 racks, along with containers, training aids, spare parts, software, documentation, and logistics support. Included in the deal will be US government and contractor services to maintain the equipment sold to Denmark.
The Hellfire is a laser-guided, air-to-surface precision missile widely used by NATO and allied forces. The weapon enhances Denmark’s precision strike capability, especially from aerial and unmanned platforms. It aligns with Denmark’s ongoing efforts to modernize and integrate its military capabilities with NATO partners.
Though nothing has been officially said as to how the Royal Danish Air Force will integrate this weapon into their platform, the most likely deployment will be aboard Denmark’s MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones (yet another American system). Another possibility is that the US-made Hellfire missiles will be equipped onboard the—wait for it—US-made MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, which Denmark operates.
Lockheed Martin is expected to be the lead US contractor on the deal. The Americans are so dead set on starting a fight with the Danes that…the deal does not require US troops to be deployed to Denmark for support. Perhaps, then, all the whining and gnawing and gnashing of teeth coming from Europe isn’t all that accurate.
If the Americans were really these blood-thirsty invaders out to steal Denmark’s prized territory of Greenland, why would the Americans be selling their own advanced weapons to Denmark (which would undoubtedly sue those US-made weapons against the Americans if the Danish government chose to protect their claim on Greenland?) The whole thing is ridiculous.
Europe’s furious reaction to Trump’s repeated ruminations about annexing Greenland have less to do with international legal norms and more to do with the fact that the European elite hate to be reminded of just how impotent they are. Europe, despite the presence of NATO and the economic alliance that is the European Union, has no real leverage in world affairs.
The Europeans, the masters of the global order a century ago, now find themselves in an unenviable position where they must choose hostile foreign governments, like those of Russia and China, or Americans—all while battling a disturbing number of internal crises, ranging from a turgid economy to collapsing fertility rates—to follow for they lack the requisite power to chart their own destiny.
Trump’s comments on Greenland are a perennial reminder to the haughty European mind just how far they’ve fallen from greatness on the world stage.
That’s the real reason why the Europeans are saying what they are about Trump and the United States when it comes to Greenland. If the Europeans really believed the Americans were an existential threat, why would they continue purchasing critical weapons from them?
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. Weichert hosts a companion book talk series on Rumble entitled “National Security Talk.” He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, and the Asia Times. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / Gints Ivuskans.
The post Europe Threatens War over Greenland—Then Buys More Missiles from America appeared first on The National Interest.
Источник: nationalinterest.org