Denmark deployed soldiers to Greenland with live ammunition and clear orders to defend the territory if the United States launched a military attack, according to newly revealed military orders issued last week. The deployment, part of Operation Arctic Endurance, represented an unprecedented moment in Danish military history as the nation prepared to potentially engage American forces until President Trump ruled out using military force on Wednesday.
Military Orders Revealed Readiness for Combat
The orders sent to Danish soldiers in Greenland last week came from the highest levels of Denmark’s military command. According to documents obtained by Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), the directive was clear and urgent.
The defense forces were instructed to quickly strengthen their ability to execute the defense plan for Greenland. Shortly after the orders were issued, military and civilian aircraft began systematically transporting soldiers and equipment from Denmark to Greenland.
Surprisingly, the soldiers were equipped with what military personnel call KUP ammunition, sharp ammunition carried by individual soldiers or units so they could immediately engage in combat if necessary.
Unprecedented Political Unity for Military Defense
DR’s sources reveal widespread political willingness to defend Greenland if an American attack had occurred. This consensus extended beyond the government to include a broad spectrum of both left-wing and right-wing opposition parties.
Nobody believed Denmark could militarily match the United States. Nor did the government or opposition parties consider an American military attack a likely scenario. However, political leaders determined they needed a plan for such a scenario and wanted to raise the political cost for the American president if he chose military action.
As Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated as recently as Tuesday, since the American president unfortunately had not ruled out using military force, Denmark could not rule it out either.
Historic Shift in Denmark’s Security Posture
Professor Sten Rynning from the University of Southern Denmark, an expert in NATO and war studies, characterized the crisis and recent decisions as historic. He never imagined Denmark would reach a point where Danish soldiers were sent on exercises with live ammunition because of a need to potentially deter the United States.
The operation represents far more than symbolic exercises testing long-distance flight capabilities. According to Rynning, it directly connects to Denmark’s core defense plans for Greenland.
Substantial Forces Now Stationed in Greenland
Since the orders were issued, Operation Arctic Endurance has operated around the clock. The Danish Defense Forces confirm substantial Army forces are now positioned in Greenland.
These include armored infantry from the Jutland Dragoon Regiment, described as a powerful and central unit representing the Army’s striking force. They are accompanied by soldiers from the Engineer Regiment in Skive, specialists in clearing mines and ammunition, removing enemy obstacles on battlefields, and constructing combat positions.
The Arctic Command has concentrated patrol vessels in waters along Greenland. In the ice-free part of the North Atlantic, the frigate Peter Willemoes now participates in the operation.
International Support and Air Operations
The Air Force’s Hercules transport aircraft have carried personnel and equipment northward from Denmark. For the first time, F-35 fighter jets have patrolled over Greenland.
The operation also includes advance forces and soldiers from European NATO allies, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Britain. Their contributions initially prompted President Trump to threaten them all with punitive tariffs during the weekend, though these threats were withdrawn after Trump’s speech and meetings on Wednesday.
Operation Planned But Suddenly Accelerated
According to DR’s information, the operation had been planned for some time. However, recent developments caused it to be suddenly moved forward. DR has not yet confirmed what led to this acceleration.
The military order describes a multi-phase operation with the possibility of sending additional soldiers and military capabilities later. DR chose not to publish the dates for different phases.
The operation’s specific objective is to strengthen presence and activity levels in Greenland to demonstrate the will and ability to defend the Realm’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The order also references an underlying plan for Greenland’s defense that can be activated if necessary.
Trump’s Reversal and Ongoing Political Crisis
The situation remained critical until Wednesday afternoon when President Donald Trump, speaking at a summit in Switzerland, reversed his position on using force. He stated he was not obliged to use force, had no desire to use force, and would not use force.
Before those words, the government and Defense Forces had prepared for the worst possible scenario.
Despite Trump ruling out military force for Greenland, Professor Rynning believes the crisis is far from over. While the military crisis may be resolved, the political crisis surrounding sovereignty continues.
NATO Discussions and Future Uncertainty
Following Wednesday’s summit, reports emerged that NATO and the United States have begun discussions about a possible agreement to increase security in the Arctic. Rynning suggests Trump attempted this approach after seeing congressional opposition, falling stock markets, and rising interest rates.
The Defense Ministry declined to comment on the content of potentially confidential documents. Officials stated the increased Danish presence aims solely to train with allied forces under the Arctic’s unique conditions in Greenland.
At the same time, the ministry confirmed Operation Arctic Endurance will continue throughout 2026 on land, at sea, and in the air.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Best Defense Lawyers in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Danmark var klar til kamp: Her er ordren til de danske soldater i Grønland
