Denmark Raises Military Readiness In Greenland Amid Fears Of Possible US Attack

Last Updated:January 24, 2026, 13:22 IST

While neither the government nor opposition leaders believed an attack was likely, officials said preparations were made for what they described as the most extreme contingency.

A European military mission arrived Thursday in Greenland to help boost the Arctic island's security

Denmark discreetly raised the military alert level for its forces in Greenland after intelligence assessments flagged the remote possibility of a US military action, instructing troops to be prepared to use live ammunition if required, Danish media reported.

According to public broadcaster DR, the directive came from the highest levels of military command and underscored the seriousness with which Danish authorities viewed the situation until tensions eased midway through the week.

While neither the government nor opposition leaders believed an attack was likely, officials said preparations were made for what they described as the most extreme contingency.

The alert status was lifted after US President Donald Trump publicly ruled out the use of force on January 21, easing immediate concerns.

Orders From Top Command

The written directive, spanning several pages, instructed the Danish Armed Forces to immediately enhance their readiness to implement Greenland’s defence plans.

Shortly after the order was issued, civilian and military aircraft were seen transporting personnel and equipment from Denmark to Greenland.

Sources told DR these movements were part of a broader effort to ensure rapid operational readiness should the situation deteriorate.

Despite the heightened response, Danish leaders assessed that conflict was unlikely. Officials said the objective was to remain militarily prepared while maintaining political resolve.

Live Ammunition Deployment

The mobilisation formed part of a multi-stage military operation known as Arctic Endurance, which remains ongoing. The framework allows for additional forces and capabilities to be deployed if required, though no timelines have been made public.

The order confirmed that Danish troops were deployed with live KUP ammunition, enabling units to respond immediately if confronted.

While the exercise had been planned earlier, recent developments prompted authorities to accelerate its implementation, though the specific trigger has not been disclosed.

Forces Deployed Across Domains

Since the alert was issued, Arctic Endurance has been operating continuously. The Danish Army has deployed what defence officials describe as “substantial" forces in Greenland, including armoured infantry units and specialised personnel.

Naval patrol vessels have been repositioned around Greenland’s waters, while a frigate is operating in ice-free areas of the North Atlantic.

The Air Force has transported troops and equipment, and Danish F-35 fighter jets have carried out patrols over Greenland for the first time.

The operation also includes contributions from several European NATO partners, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Political Backing

Sources said there was broad cross-party agreement in Denmark that Greenland must be defended in the event of an attack, not because Copenhagen believes it could militarily match the US, but to ensure readiness and raise the political costs of any escalation.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed this position earlier in the week, noting that US rhetoric had left little room for certainty.

“It is true that the American president has unfortunately not ruled out the use of military force. Therefore, the rest of us cannot rule it out either," she said.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump referred to Greenland as “our territory," saying the US wanted control of the island but would not use force to obtain it. He then added a pointed remark: “You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember."

News world Denmark Raises Military Readiness In Greenland Amid Fears Of Possible US Attack

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