Danish defence director travels to Greenland to demonstrate all-terrain vehicles for military use

A Danish defence industry director has travelled to Greenland to personally demonstrate an all-terrain vehicle’s capabilities in extreme Arctic conditions, aiming to secure contracts as the country ramps up military investment in the region, DR reports.

Jakob Skoustrup, director of Apollotech Systems, arrived in Kangerlussuaq from Hørsholm to showcase the Ukrainian-made SHERP vehicle—a model already used in conflict zones for evacuation and transport. With temperatures at –20°C, he navigated steep gravel slopes, deep water, and icy terrain to prove its suitability for Greenland’s challenging landscape.

“Where regular vehicles fail, we keep moving,” Skoustrup told DR, adjusting the vehicle’s tire pressure mid-drive. “When water exceeds 70 cm, it starts to float. There’s no road? We make our own path. It’s unstoppable.”

His visit coincides with Denmark’s 42 billion DKK Arctic defence expansion and NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission, which has brought hundreds of Danish, French, and Swedish troops to Greenland in recent months. Skoustrup is targeting both local commanders and Denmark’s Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (FMI), which oversees military procurement.

“We want Arctic Command and emergency services to see this in action,” he said. “This environment is what it was built for.”

The push reflects broader industry interest. A survey by DI Defence & Security found 65% of member firms now prioritise Arctic opportunities, while Greenland Business reports a surge in companies seeking local partnerships since 2023.

“Security challenges in the High North have sharpened business focus,” said Joachim Finkielman, DI’s defence director. “For soldiers on the ground, seeing equipment perform firsthand can be decisive.”

FMI confirmed to DR a “significant rise in industry engagement” for defence contracts, with Christian Kjeldsen of Greenland Business predicting lasting demand: “The need to monitor and defend the Arctic isn’t going away.”