Significant upgrades are underway at Pituffik Space Base, the sole U.S. military base in Greenland, with planned improvements to the runway, port maintenance, and facilities. These enhancements coincide with increased attention on Greenland, particularly regarding its strategic importance and resource potential. The base, renamed in 2023, houses personnel who coordinate satellite communications and monitor for ballistic missile launches. While some work is classified, the upgrades are critical for the base’s operations, particularly given the extended periods of darkness and reliance on resupply flights.
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The Canadian Joint Operations Command is studying how to realistically sustain Canada’s NATO deployment in Latvia, with more permanent basing as a possible option. This review, driven by troop shortages and challenges in quickly reinforcing the mission, comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney extended the Canadian mission in Latvia to 2029. Historically, Canada maintained permanent bases in Europe until 1993, and this move would follow Germany’s plans to establish a permanent military presence in Lithuania. A more permanent presence would send a stronger signal of deterrence, but would also require major undertakings that include legal revisions and government and NATO approval.
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Ecuadorian voters rejected a proposal to allow foreign military bases, hindering US hopes for a military presence in the country, despite President Daniel Noboa’s support for the measure. The referendum outcome represents a setback for Noboa, who had sought to reverse a 2008 ban, aiming to combat rising violence and drug trafficking. The US has been increasing its military presence in the region. This vote occurred amid a backdrop of increased regional security concerns and the US’s designation of Ecuador’s Los Lobos gang as a terrorist organization.
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John Q. Hosedrinker