Denmark was prepared for military combat with the United States over Greenland as tensions escalated in January, with unprecedented numbers of Danish and European soldiers deployed to the Arctic territory in full combat gear. The deployment, triggered by President Trump’s annexation threats, marks the largest military presence in Greenland’s modern history.
Combat-Ready Troops Flood Greenland’s Streets
Seven Danish soldiers marched through the streets of Nuuk on Sunday, January 18. Some carried sleeping mats on their backs, while others had swapped helmets for green caps to shield against snow and minus four degree temperatures.
Seeing a group of soldiers this size in Nuuk is a rare sight. A closer look at their equipment and gear makes it clear this is far from an ordinary military exercise in Greenland.
Denmark Issues Orders to Prepare for Combat
In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has placed Greenland’s future high on his agenda. Simultaneously, soldiers from Denmark and several European countries have steadily arrived in Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk.
The situation escalated to the point where Denmark was ready to engage militarily if Greenland faced a worst-case scenario attack from the United States. DR obtained insight into the orders Danish soldiers received before deployment, along with information from key political sources.
Trump backed down from his threats to use force at a summit in Switzerland. However, only now can we begin to understand what unfolded before us.
DR’s defense correspondent Mads Korsager described the situation as extraordinary. Hercules transport planes flew almost like scheduled services, unloading equipment and soldiers. Civilian passenger planes were also chartered to maintain regular flights from Karup to Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq.
Sweden, Britain, Norway, and the Netherlands also sent personnel to Greenland. France deployed soldiers from its elite Chausseurs Alpin mountain troops.
Schools and Sports Halls Become Military Quarters
The numerous soldiers now fill the streets of Nuuk and the military airport in Kangerlussuaq. While the Defense Ministry won’t disclose exact numbers, the deployment is so large that planners considered using schools and sports facilities. They also booked or reserved as many hotel rooms as possible.
According to Berlingske, authorities had to use Nuuk’s sports hall to accommodate all the soldiers.
Equipment Reveals Combat Readiness
The clothing soldiers wear while moving around Greenland tells a significant story about this serious situation.
Previously, the approach for soldiers in Greenland, particularly in Nuuk at Arctic Command, was to keep military uniforms as inconspicuous as possible. Soldiers avoided wearing uniforms while commuting or shopping.
The agreement between Denmark and the Self-Government designated Greenland as a demilitarized area, Korsager explained.
Now there are combat-dressed soldiers in Nuuk. Their gear reveals this is anything but a normal military exercise. They carry combat uniforms, protective equipment, rifles, magazines in protective vests, helmets, and some have night vision goggles mounted on helmets.
Korsager noted that soldiers were deployed under heightened readiness, meaning they could go into action almost immediately upon arrival.
Elite Units Pulled From Strategic Reserves
The increase isn’t just in troop numbers and equipment. The skills these soldiers possess have also been upgraded significantly.
Looking closely at battalion insignias on uniforms reveals some soldiers wear a horseshoe on a white background. This mark identifies them as troops from the Tank Battalion under the Jutland Dragoon Regiment. These soldiers belong to the defense’s first brigade, units never typically used in such military exercises.
The units sent to Greenland are important because they already have critical missions in Denmark with tight deadlines, Korsager explained. Sending first brigade units to Greenland demonstrates the operation’s importance.
Operation Arctic Endurance
Operation Arctic Endurance is the name of the international military exercise all soldiers participate in. International military exercises regularly occur in Greenland, with the most recent happening in October 2025.
However, the scope and speed of this exercise’s development are surprising. While the exact triggering factor remains unknown, there’s clearly a connection to Trump’s repeated desires to own and potentially annex Greenland, Korsager said.
The exercise proceeds in close coordination with the Greenlandic government, Naalakkersuisut. Authorities decided to continue and strengthen efforts throughout 2026 by increasing the Defense Ministry’s military presence and exercise activity in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Countries participating include France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Belgium.
Soldiers deployed to Greenland also include logistics support troops and personnel from the Engineer Regiment. These soldiers specialize in building fortifications, combat positions, obstacles for enemies, and finding and disarming ammunition and mines.
Parts of the Jaeger Corps were also deployed, according to DR’s information. Some unit soldiers are specially trained to fight under Arctic conditions.
F-35 Jets Take to Arctic Skies
The volume has also increased for equipment sent to Greenland in recent weeks, not just personnel.
Two brand new Danish F-35 aircraft have flown over Greenland alongside a French tanker aircraft. These aircraft will continue exercises over the coming weeks, the Defense Ministry announced.
Deploying this very new tool in the Defense Ministry’s arsenal during cold winter conditions sends another signal that this operation is highly prioritized, Korsager said.
Naval Power Joins the Operation
France also sent the frigate Bretagne as part of Operation Arctic Endurance. Communication went out from Denmark to partner countries essentially saying the scheduled exercises throughout 2026 needed to happen immediately. France easily agreed to send Bretagne, which was nearby, making a strong statement.
One of the Danish fleet’s most powerful ships also joined the exercise. According to DR News sources, this is the air defense frigate Peter Willemoes, equipped with powerful radar systems that can monitor large areas for both ships and aircraft.
Such a large deployment of frigates and aircraft has never been seen before, according to Korsager. Despite Trump’s withdrawal of force threats, this indicates a significant military presence will continue in Greenland going forward.
There are now more soldiers in Nuuk’s streets and in Greenland than ever before seen, at least in modern history, Korsager concluded.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Why Was Greenland Granted Autonomy From Denmark
The Danish Dream: Best Lawyer in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Overblik: Intet er som det plejer i Grønland
