Denmark reportedly prepared for a potential US attack on Greenland in January, flying blood bags and explosives to the island amid threats from President Donald Trump to take over the territory. The preparations included explosives intended to blow up runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq to prevent US aircraft from landing, according to Danish public broadcaster DR.
The Danish government was shaken by Trump's comments that the US needed Greenland 'very badly' and his threat to take it 'the hard way'. Sources told DR that Copenhagen sent supplies from Danish blood banks to treat wounded in the event of a battle, and began secret talks with European leaders for political support after the 2024 US election.
A crucial turning point came on 3 January when the US attacked Venezuela. The following day, Trump renewed his demand for Greenland, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that an attack on a NATO ally would end the alliance and post-World War II security. An existing plan for Danish and European forces to deploy to Greenland later in the year was rapidly brought forward.
An advance command of Danish, French, German, Norwegian, and Swedish soldiers landed in Greenland, followed by a main force including elite troops. Danish fighter jets and a French naval vessel were also deployed toward the North Atlantic. The aim was to have soldiers from multiple nationalities to force the US to take significant hostile action if it attempted to occupy Greenland.
A top French official told DR that the crisis brought Europe closer together, saying, 'Europe realised once and for all that we need to be able to take care of our own security.' A Danish defence source noted, 'We have not been in such a situation since April 1940.' The Danish ministry of defence and the offices of the Greenlandic and Danish prime ministers declined to comment.
