Denmark's Preemptive Measures Against US Invasion of Greenland Revealed

Fri Mar 20 2026 05:55:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Amid rising tensions, Denmark secretly prepared to demolish key infrastructure in Greenland to prevent potential US military actions, highlighting geopolitical strains in the Arctic region.

Recent reports indicate that Denmark was ready to detonate airport runways in Greenland in response to fears of a US invasion during Donald Trump's presidency. Danish military sources disclosed that soldiers were deployed to the region not solely for joint exercises with European allies but to prepare for defensive measures against American forces. This move reflects deeper tensions regarding Greenland's semi-autonomous status and US interest in the territory.

Danish soldiers flown to Greenland in January were prepared to blow up key airport runways over fears that US President Donald Trump could invade the Arctic island, Denmark's public broadcaster DR reports.

Citing sources in the Danish government and military, as well as among European allies, DR stated that blood supplies were also brought in to treat the wounded in the event of conflict. The Financial Times later confirmed this report via two European officials. The Danish defense ministry responded with no comment.

A senior Danish military official mentioned anonymously that only a limited number of individuals were aware of the operation due to security reasons.

Despite both countries being NATO members, the Greenland issue has caused significant rifts between Washington and its European allies. Trump has persistently expressed interest in annexing Greenland, a claim met with vehement rejection from Denmark and the island's leadership.

DR mentioned that Copenhagen involved Paris, Berlin, and other Nordic nations for political backing as a response to Trump's claims, emphasizing a united European front and conducting joint military activities in Greenland.

The situation intensified on January 3 when elite US forces undertook a mission in Venezuela, leading to heightened concerns in Denmark regarding potential US actions against Greenland. Trump's public assertions about Greenland's strategic significance and his military intentions prompted Danish officials to consider all possible scenarios seriously.

Following these fears, a contingent of military personnel from Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden was sent to Greenland, reportedly for joint exercises named Operation Arctic Endurance, with a covert purpose of preparing for a potential American invasion.

It was decided that Danish forces would actively engage if the US initiated an invasion, with soldiers training to demolish runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq to thwart US aircraft. A Danish defense source remarked that any advance by the US would come at a significant political and military cost.

Overall, as geopolitical dynamics shift in the Arctic, Denmark's revelations underscore the complexities surrounding Greenland and the ongoing tensions following Trump's policies regarding the territory.