Defence rejects concern over Greenland’s missing helicopter ships

Denmark’s Defence has rejected concerns over the absence of its large helicopter-capable Arctic ships in Greenland, saying the vessel sent to Canada was never more than 56 hours from Greenlandic waters. The details were reported by DR.

For almost three weeks, none of the Defence’s four large Arctic vessels has been in Greenland. Three of the ships have been docked in Frederikshavn, while the fourth, Thetis, has been taking part in an exercise in Canada.

The vessels, which belong to the Thetis class, can operate with a helicopter on board. Experts describe that capability as essential for rescuing people in distress at sea. The smaller Arctic ships currently in Greenland cannot carry a helicopter.

Major General Søren Andersen, head of Arctic Command, said there was no reason for concern. He said he would have withdrawn Thetis from the exercise if the situation required it.

“It is not particularly far away. It is in the waters between Canada and Greenland. At the point when it was furthest from Greenlandic waters, it was 56 hours away,” he said.

Patrick Abrahamsen, an emergency preparedness consultant with experience from rescue missions in Greenland, rejected that explanation.

“The response time from Canada back to northern Greenland is simply too long if that is where help is needed. It is of no use,” he said.

Ship remained in Denmark because of staffing shortage

Thetis was originally intended to operate in north-eastern Greenland while its sister ship Hvidbjørnen took part in an exercise with Canada. But Hvidbjørnen remained in Frederikshavn because of a shortage of personnel, as DR reported last week. Thetis was then sent to the exercise instead.

Andersen said the distance was not a problem, noting that it can also take a long time to move ships around Greenland. A journey from the north-eastern coast to Nuuk can take six to eight days, he said.

“I look at the distances up there to deploy capabilities as effectively as possible. We have done that, and people can be completely confident that I have it under control,” he said.

According to Andersen, Arctic Command has not been responsible for any maritime rescue operations during the almost three-week period.

Other rescue capabilities remain available

Arctic Command can also use Air Greenland helicopters for search and rescue operations. Air Greenland has one rescue helicopter on standby around the clock and a smaller helicopter available during the daytime. Both operate from land and have limited range.

The Defence’s helicopter-capable inspection ships therefore serve as rescue platforms that can reach and save more people in distress far from the coast.

“Air Greenland’s helicopters, which handle the vast majority of our operations, have been available, and other vessels have also been available,” Andersen said. He added that ships from allied countries had also provided assistance.

Arctic Command can also use Defence aircraft for surveillance and enforcement of sovereignty, Andersen said. These include F-35 fighter jets, Challenger aircraft and Hercules transport aircraft, which can drop rescue rafts.

He also pointed to a substantial presence from the army and special operations forces. In September, about 400 soldiers and two of the Defence’s EH101 helicopters are due to arrive.

“Never before in the Defence have we had more capabilities available than we have had in 2026,” Andersen said.

Johannes Riber, a naval commander and researcher at the Centre for Military Studies at the University of Copenhagen, said that the ability to sail out with helicopters on board remained important for rescue operations.

“We may have more aircraft in the area, or another form of military presence. But ultimately, it is this helicopter that can go out and rescue a sailor who has got into trouble,” he said.

Minimum requirement is one inspection ship

A description of Greenland’s search and rescue service states that Arctic Command can generally expect to have two inspection ships available throughout the year, including helicopters.

The description was issued by the Rescue Council under the Ministry of Defence, which sets the minimum requirements for Greenland’s rescue preparedness. The minimum requirement is that at least one inspection ship must be available year-round.

Asked whether the period without such a ship in Greenland could negatively affect that requirement, Andersen said Arctic Command was doing its best to meet it.

“But when I send a ship out for training, it is to build capabilities and fighting power,” he said.