Top Danish military officials reportedly considered demolishing key airport runways in Greenland to prevent a possible US invasion. This contingency plan surfaced in January amid heightened concerns that then-US President Donald Trump might attempt to annex the Arctic island, according to Denmark’s public broadcaster, DR.
Sources within the Danish government and military, as well as allied European nations, cited by DR, indicated that the preparedness extended to stockpiling blood supplies for potential casualties in the event of conflict. The Financial Times later cited two European officials who corroborated DR’s report.
The Danish Ministry of Defence declined to comment when approached by the BBC. A senior Danish military official, who requested anonymity due to security protocols, stated that knowledge of the operation was intentionally limited to a select few individuals.
Both the United States and Denmark are members of NATO. The ongoing issue surrounding Greenland, a territory with self-governance within the Danish Kingdom, has created significant friction between Washington and its European allies.
Trump’s Repeated Interest in Greenland
President Trump had previously expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, particularly during his second presidential term. These expressed interests were consistently met with rejections from Greenland’s own leadership and the Danish government.
DR’s investigation into the matter was based on information from twelve sources holding senior positions within the Danish government and military. Additional insights were provided by sources close to Denmark’s allies in France and Germany.
According to these sources, Copenhagen sought political backing from Paris, Berlin, and Nordic nations. The objective was to present a united front against Trump’s ambitions by demonstrating strong European solidarity and increasing joint military activities in Greenland.
Escalation Following Venezuelan Operation
The situation reportedly intensified on January 3rd. This date marked the day elite US forces conducted a swift operation in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, leading to the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro.
The following day, Trump publicly addressed the Greenland situation, stating he would address it “in about two months.” He reiterated his administration’s view that Greenland was strategically vital, remarking, “we need Greenland from a national security situation. It’s so strategic.” Trump also asserted, without presenting evidence, that Greenland was heavily trafficked by Russian and Chinese vessels.
A high-ranking Danish security source shared with DR that Trump’s repeated statements about acquiring Greenland, coupled with the events in Venezuela, necessitated a serious consideration of all possible scenarios.
One European official commented to the Financial Times that, following the Venezuela operation, the Americans appeared overconfident, suggesting a “let’s take this thing, and this country” attitude.
Joint Military Deployment to Greenland
Shortly after these developments, a multinational military contingent comprising soldiers from Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden was deployed to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and Kangerlussuaq, which hosts an airport.
French President Emmanuel Macron indicated at the time that the initial deployment would be augmented with “land, air, and sea assets.”
DR’s reporting suggests that a subsequent deployment included elite Danish soldiers and a French unit specifically trained for combat in harsh, cold, and mountainous environments. Danish aircraft and a French naval vessel were dispatched towards the North Atlantic.
Covert Purpose of Military Exercises
This deployment was officially presented as part of Danish-led joint military exercises known as Operation Arctic Endurance. However, DR asserts that the true intention was to prepare for a potential US invasion.
Denmark ultimately decided that its soldiers would engage in combat if the US initiated an invasion. To thwart any potential US military aircraft landings, soldiers were prepared to detonate explosives to destroy runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq, according to the broadcaster.
A Danish defense source explained to the broadcaster that “The cost to the US would have to be raised. The US would have to carry out a hostile act to get Greenland.” This individual acknowledged, however, that Danish troops would likely have been unable to successfully repel a US attack.
Trump’s Statements at Davos
On January 21st, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Trump, who had previously not ruled out the use of force to acquire Greenland, stated: “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force. All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland.”
Since then, Trump has indicated his pursuit of “immediate negotiations” to reach a compromise and de-escalate the diplomatic row.