U.S.-Canada NORAD Aircraft Heads To Greenland Amid Trump’s Demands Of ‘Total Control’ Of Arctic Territory

NORAD aircraft are expected to arrive soon at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland for a series of long-planned activities, the joint U.S.-Canada command announced on Monday.

NORAD, which is responsible for defending North American airspace, emphasized that the deployment was routine, fully coordinated with Denmark, and authorities in Greenland were also informed.

“They will support various long-planned NORAD activities, building on the enduring defense cooperation between the United States and Canada, as well as the Kingdom of Denmark,” NORAD said.

The statement added that NORAD “routinely conducts sustained, dispersed operations in the defense of North America.”

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aircraft will soon arrive at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland. Along with aircraft operating from bases in the continental United States and Canada, they will support various long-planned NORAD activities, building on the enduring…

— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) January 19, 2026

NORAD, a bi-national US and Canadian command, employs a network of space-based, aerial, and ground-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and combat aircraft on alert, controlled by a cutting-edge command-and-control network to detect, deter, and defend aerial threats.

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The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows amid escalating tensions and Trump’s threats to seize control of Greenland, an autonomous Arctic territory under Danish sovereignty.

NORAD & Greenland

Earlier in November 2025, U.S. Air Forces Northern (AFNORTH), in collaboration with Denmark and coordinated by NORAD, held a dynamic operational exercise at Pituffik Space Base.

The exercise highlighted Greenland’s critical role in the defense of North America and highlighted the importance of enhanced Arctic operational readiness.

Personnel and aircraft from various US Air National Guard units, including KC-135 Stratotankers, F-35s, and F-16s, were deployed to a key location in Greenland. The move was designed to test readiness levels and build stronger ties with Danish forces through joint exercises.

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“This exercise demonstrated our ability to quickly and efficiently deploy forces to the Arctic, showcasing the adaptability necessary to operate in this unique and demanding environment,” said Lt. Gen. Luke Ahmann, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region – 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space) commander. “But more importantly, it highlighted the strength of our partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark. We deeply value their collaboration and the critical support they provide, particularly the Royal Danish Air Force’s commitment to search-and-rescue capabilities in this region. Their partnership is essential to ensuring the safety and security of operations in the Arctic.”

NORAD aircraft supported the Danish Air Force in maintaining a constant state of readiness for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. Danish specialized Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft and personnel provided SAR coverage, a vital capability in the challenging Arctic conditions.

Greenland’s strategic location makes it critical for the defense of North America. Since June last year, U.S. Northern Command has assumed responsibility for defending the homeland against threats from Greenland.

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From NORAD’s perspective, joint drills among the U.S., Canada, Denmark, and Greenland contribute to our collective security. This exercise was just one example of strengthening Arctic security and ensuring NORAD’s ability to monitor and respond to threats effectively.

“The rapid timeline presented a unique challenge,” said Maj. Daniel Schoettle, CONR-1AF (AFNORTH & AFSPACE) Operations Contingency Plans chief. “Setting up a forward operating location within days, from coordinating the movement of personnel and equipment to ensuring adequate support on the ground, required meticulous planning and seamless execution. The success of this exercise demonstrates the exceptional capabilities and dedication of our Airmen and the strength of our partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark.”

NORAD

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NORAD F-16 Fighter “Headbutts” Aircraft

NORAD was again in the news last year in December!

In December 2025, NORAD scrambled an F-16 jet to intercept a civilian aviation aircraft after it entered the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) airspace over Palm Beach, Florida.

“This morning, a NORAD F‑16 intercepted an aircraft that entered restricted airspace over Palm Beach,” the statement posted on NORAD’s X page said. “The situation was resolved safely,” the command noted.

The NORAD F-16 performed a “headbutt” maneuver, a standard procedure in which the fighter jet flies in close proximity ahead of the violating aircraft to visually signal a need to change course.

The “Headbutt” Maneuver

The “headbutt” is a non-aggressive strategy employed by fighter pilots during intercepts. The fighter jet positions itself directly in front of the civilian aircraft at a safe distance, often rocking its wings or deploying flares if needed, to gain the pilot’s attention and direct them to follow instructions via emergency radio frequencies.

NORAD maintains a multi-layered defense system incorporating satellites, ground-based radars, and alert fighter aircraft to continuously monitor North American airspace. This network allows for rapid detection, identification, and response to potential threats or violations.

As a joint command between the US and Canada, NORAD’s missions include aerospace warning (detecting threats like missiles or unauthorized aircraft) and aerospace control (managing sovereign airspace).