Anna Hartz
Tensions Rise Over Arctic Base as U.S. Blames Denmark for Failures
Greenland is becoming more important in global security. With tensions rising between the West, Russia, and China, Arctic territory matters more than ever.
That includes Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, located in the far north of Greenland, writes Danish news media DR.
The U.S. uses the base for satellite tracking and early warning systems. But now, the base is at the center of a serious dispute between the United States and Denmark.
Accused Denmark of Bad Conditions
In March, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited Pituffik and strongly criticized Denmark.
He said Denmark had failed to invest in the base’s security and support. In his speech, he claimed that Denmark had not done enough to protect the base, its personnel, or the local Greenlandic population from threats coming from Russia and China.
But criticism from the U.S. isn’t the only concern. A Danish construction union, Danske Byggefag, raised alarms months earlier.
They warned that working and safety conditions for the civilian staff at the base were far below acceptable standards.
Danish Base Faced Serious Challenges
DR has reviewed documents and spoken to sources that confirm these problems.
According to Danske Byggefag’s director, Søren Sand Kirk, staff at the base have faced major challenges.
There have been too few workers, too much pressure, and poor safety gear. Some employees couldn’t even get proper cold-weather clothing or working safety shoes.
One key issue: standing on the runway to refuel planes without proper gear is dangerous in Greenland’s extreme weather.
Other complaints include broken vehicles, missing spare parts, and basic equipment that either doesn’t work or isn’t replaced. In some cases, replacement equipment was so old it had to be sent back.
Problems Continue
In 2022, the U.S. Air Force gave a long-term maintenance contract to a company called Inussuk.
But despite the size of the contract—up to 28 billion kroner—workers say that basic tasks are still being neglected.
Even simple things like replacing door handles or supplying gas for vehicles have become difficult.
The problems continue, but there is hope. Sources say more funding is now on the way, and new staff are being hired.
Everyone involved agrees that the base’s problems must be fixed.
