Earlier this year, reports surfaced indicating that Denmark was prepared to use explosives to destroy a blood supply airstrip in Greenland due to concerns about a potential U.S. invasion. This information comes from a recent report by Danish public broadcaster DR.
The plan involved sending troops to Greenland in January with explosives ready in case the runway needed to be rendered unusable to prevent U.S. military aircraft from landing. According to DR, the details are outlined in a Danish Military Operations Order dated January 13.
This move seems to correlate with rising tensions following President Trump’s comments advocating for U.S. control over Greenland for national security reasons. Both Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have consistently rejected Trump’s assertions regarding the acquisition of the island.
DR’s report cites 12 sources from high levels within the Danish government and military, along with accounts from allies like France and Germany.
An anonymous Danish military official mentioned to DR that, given Trump’s insistence on acquiring Greenland, all scenarios were being taken seriously. Additionally, under a NATO exercise called Arctic Endurance, Denmark and various European allies deployed troops to Greenland, and the deployment was characterized as operational, with soldiers arriving well-equipped, including medical supplies and explosives.
Despite these preparations, Danish authorities seemed to aim for a de-escalation with the U.S. On January 21, Trump announced a vague “framework” agreement concerning Greenland with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, though the specifics remain unclear.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump emphasized that he does not wish to use force regarding Greenland, stating, “All the United States wants is a place called Greenland.” On March 17, U.S. Northern Command’s commander Gen. Gregory Guyot noted that efforts were underway to work with Denmark to enhance access to various military bases in Greenland, reiterating the importance of the region amid growing strategic threats.
