NORAD Deploys Aircraft to Pituffik Amid US-Europe Tensions Over Greenland

January 20, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1768903830567-2035

Aircraft Deployment Sparks Arctic Security Concerns Amid US-NATO Competition

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has deployed aircraft to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland for long-planned activities. The deployment comes as Washington and European allies compete for influence over the island’s security role in the Arctic. According to AeroTime, US Northern Command has assumed responsibility for homeland defense missions involving Greenland since June 2025. The Government of Greenland has been informed of the planned activities, which have been coordinated with the Kingdom of Denmark.

Sponsored by Jumpseat Solutions, jumpseatsolutions.com

Key Takeaways

NORAD deploys aircraft to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.
Operations support routine, sustained, and dispersed posture across Alaska, Canada, and continental US.
US Northern Command assumes responsibility for homeland defense missions involving Greenland since June 2025.

NORAD US Northern Command Kingdom of Denmark

Strategic Implications

This deployment may indicate a shift in the Arctic security landscape as US and European forces compete for influence. The ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system proposal suggests a desire for increased US control over Greenland, which could strain relations with Denmark and Greenland’s political leadership.