Days before US President Donald Trump announced that there is a "framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland," Denmark quietly put its forces
in Greenland on heightened military readiness last week amid concerns over a potential US attempt to assert control over the Arctic territory. Danish troops were reportedly instructed to respond with live ammunition if necessary, according to the Danish public broadcaster DR. While neither the Danish government nor opposition parties expected an actual attack, preparations were made for what officials described as the most extreme conceivable scenario. The move received broad political backing across party lines, pointing to Denmark's commitment to defending Greenland despite low expectations of confrontation. The crisis began to ease on January 21, after US President Donald Trump publicly ruled out the use of force.
Orders From the Top
The written order as per a report by NDTV, directed the Danish Armed Forces to increase their readiness to carry out Greenland's defence plans without delay. Soon after the order, civilian and military aircraft were transporting personnel and equipment from Denmark to Greenland. DR sources as per the report confirmed that these movements were part of a broader operational effort to ensure preparedness should circumstances deteriorate.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed the tense situation, saying, “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.” The operation, named Arctic Endurance, was accelerated due to recent developments, though the exact trigger remains unclear.
Forces on Land, Sea, and Air
Arctic Endurance involves substantial Danish military units stationed in Greenland, including armoured infantry and specialist forces. Naval patrol vessels have been repositioned, while a frigate is operating in ice-free areas of the North Atlantic. The Air Force has deployed personnel and equipment, with F-35 fighter jets conducting patrols over Greenland for the first time.
The operation also involves troops from European NATO allies, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Danish forces have been deployed with live KUP ammunition to allow immediate engagement if needed. The political objective was clear: to ensure operational readiness while sending a signal that Greenland’s defense would carry political consequences for any escalation.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump referred to Greenland as "our territory" but insisted the US would not use force. He added, “You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember.”
