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United States Approves $45M Hellfire Sale to Denmark Despite Greenland Tensions
The United States approved a $45 million Hellfire missile sale to Denmark while political tensions and rhetoric continue over Greenland’s strategic future.
Mette Frederiksen meets Donald Trump in 2019 © Shealah Craighead/Official White House Photo
While political debate continues in Washington over the strategic importance of Greenland and the possibility of expanding American control over the island, the United States has approved the sale of modern weapons to Denmark, the territory’s formal sovereign, according to Defence Express.
The U.S. State Department authorized a weapons package valued at about $45 million that includes 100 AGM114R Hellfire II guided missiles along with related equipment such as three stationary test missiles, six M299 launchers, two MHU191/M transport trailers, three BRU14 holders, logistical support, spare parts, technical documentation, and software. The agreement states it “will promote U.S. geopolitical interests and strengthen NATO security.”
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The approval comes as Greenland is increasingly referenced in American political rhetoric as strategically necessary for Washington, though most statements remain rhetorical and have not led to formal policy changes. Denmark continues to be one of Washington’s key European allies, and there are no grounds for restricting military technical cooperation between the two countries.
The AGM114R Hellfire II missiles are expected to arm MH60R Seahawk maritime helicopters used by the Danish Navy. With only six such helicopters in its fleet, Denmark’s planned purchase of around 100 missiles is considered logical. The AGM114R, known as Hellfire Romeo, is among the most modern variants of the Hellfire family. Produced since 2012, it uses semiactive laser guidance and can strike targets at ranges of up to eight kilometers, and is designed to hit armored vehicles, fortifications, and surface targets.
Hellfire missiles are widely used by NATO members and by Ukraine. In 2024, Washington approved the sale of the same missile type to the Czech Republic along with APKWS II systems in a $138 million deal to equip AH1Z Viper attack helicopters.
Tensions around Greenland have also intensified after comments reported by UNIAN quoting Donald Trump as saying the United States “is going to do something about Greenland whether they like it or not,” warning that if Washington does not acquire the island, it could be taken by China or Russia. He added, “I would like to make a deal the easy way. If we don’t do it the easy way, we will do it the hard way.”
Leaders of five political parties in Greenland’s parliament responded jointly with a sharp rejection of the territorial remarks, calling on the United States to leave the island alone.
Editor’s Note:
This report outlines the U.S. approval of a $45 million weapons package to Denmark, including AGM114R Hellfire II missiles, against the backdrop of political rhetoric in United States about the strategic importance of Greenland. The developments highlight ongoing NATO cooperation as well as diplomatic tensions following statements by Donald Trump regarding potential U.S. control of the island.
