Poulsen spoke on the importance of acquiring new ships, and drones, and increasing troop numbers on Greenland, describing the move as essential for Arctic security.

“For many years, we have not invested enough in Arctic security,” he told the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten.

Key upgrades will include expanding the airport in Kangerlussuaq to accommodate F-35 fighter jets. Currently, Denmark’s military command in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, operates with just 75 personnel.

Poulsen dismissed suggestions that the timing of the announcement was tied to Trump’s remarks. “We have been working on strengthening defense for many years,” he said, calling it a “twist of fate.”

Trump, who nominated billionaire Ken Howery as ambassador to Copenhagen, said owning Greenland was vital for U.S. national security. “Owning and controlling Greenland is an absolute necessity for the purposes of national security and freedom around the world,” Trump said Monday.

In 2019, Trump proposed buying Greenland, a move rejected by Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who called the idea “absurd.” Frederiksen has declined to comment on Trump’s recent statement, while Greenland’s Premier Mute Egede reiterated the island “is not for sale.”

Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, depends on Denmark for military defense.