Strategic Skies:Denmark’s Arctic Dilemma and the Danish–Swedish Bifrost Satellite as a Case of Security Science Diplomacy

Science diplomacy refers to the use of scientific knowledge, expertise, and collaboration to advance foreign policy objectives and manage international relations [1].It has mainly been used by practitioners in the field to analyze how science and technology promote soft power, trust-building, and international cooperation in addressing shared challenges [2].However, there is ongoing debate about which instruments fall under science diplomacy and whether, and how, it operates within the security domain [3,4].Scholarship has also focused primarily on major powers, leaving limited empirical insight into small-state practices [5].This study addresses this gap by examining security science diplomacy in a small-state context.It analyzes the Bifrost satellite as an emerging techno-defence initiative operating as security science diplomacy in a contested Arctic environment. Denmark's Arctic DilemmaDenmark's Arctic strategy expired in 2020, leaving governance fragmented and policy direction unclear [6].Despite heightened tensions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Denmark frames the Arctic as low-tension, emphasizing peace, sustainability, and cooperation.Recent defence agreements add complexity, allocating DKK 27.4 billion for Arctic military upgrades, including new vessels, patrol aircraft, and surveillance systems [7].Meanwhile, Greenland advances autonomy through its 2025 foreign, security, and defense strategy, seeking closer ties with North America [8].This dynamic is further complicated by renewed friction with the United States following President Trump's interest in Greenland.Denmark faces a strategic dilemma: balancing alliances, sovereignty, stability, and Arctic predictability.