Denmark prepared contingency plans for a potential United States invasion of Greenland at the height of tensions in January, according to a report by Danish public broadcaster DR.
The report states that Danish authorities, in coordination with allies, developed a response scenario concerning the autonomous Danish territory.
Operational order outlines defence strategy
DR reviewed an operational order dated January 13, 2026, which formed the basis for the deployment of Danish forces. The document outlined a defensive operation for Greenland, drawn up shortly after a US military operation in Venezuela. A Danish defence source told DR that Copenhagen was compelled to consider all scenarios.
“Given that Trump repeatedly said he wanted to buy Greenland, and then what happened in Venezuela, we had to take every possibility seriously,” the source said, adding that Denmark believed the “formal mechanisms of the United States were no longer functioning as usual”.
Troop deployment under NATO cover
Under the cover of NATO exercises known as “Arctic Endurance”, Denmark deployed a regiment and special forces to Greenland. The operation also involved allied troops, including French alpine units, as well as German and Swedish personnel. According to another anonymous source, the deployment was not a routine exercise.
“There was no room for ambiguity,” the source said, noting that troops carried blood supplies and explosives, indicating a high level of operational readiness.
No official confirmation
Neither the Danish government nor the Greenlandic authorities have commented on the report.
Following weeks of escalating rhetoric, US President Donald Trump announced a vague “framework for a future agreement” on Greenland on January 21 in Davos, while also stepping back from threats of tariffs and military action.
Shortly afterwards, NATO launched a mission aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic, with participation from both Denmark and the United States.
Source: CNA / AFP