Denmark secretly prepared to sabotage Greenland's airstrips using explosives and flew in blood supplies amid fears of a potential U.S. invasion earlier this year, according to a report by Danish public broadcaster DR, which was reviewed by EuroNews and BBC [1]. The contingency plan included deploying troops to Greenland in January with explosives for possible runway demolition to prevent U.S. aircraft from landing, as outlined in a Danish military operations order dated Jan. 13 [1]. The preparations were made in response to escalating tensions following President Donald Trump's statement that the U.S. should control Greenland for national security reasons. Both Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen repeatedly rejected Trump's demands to acquire the island [1].
The report, based on 12 sources within the Danish government and military, as well as allies in France and Germany, indicated that Denmark and several European allies deployed troops to Greenland under the guise of a NATO exercise called Arctic Endurance. However, sources cited by DR stated the deployment was operational, with soldiers arriving equipped with medical supplies and explosives. France, Germany, and Sweden also participated in the January deployment [1].
Despite these preparations, Danish authorities sought to avoid escalation with Washington. Trump later announced a vague "framework" agreement on Greenland with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Jan. 21, though details remain unclear [1]. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump stated, "I don't want to use force. I won't use force. All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland" [1]. On March 17, Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), said, "We are working with Denmark through the Department of State to expand some of the authorities that are in the 1951 treaty to give increased access to different bases across Greenland. But everything that we're doing through NORTHCOM is through Greenland and through Denmark" [1].
CONCLUSION
Denmark's covert preparations to sabotage Greenland's runways highlight the seriousness of recent tensions with the U.S. over control of the island. While military deployments and contingency plans were made, both sides ultimately sought diplomatic solutions, with ongoing discussions about expanding U.S. access under existing treaties. The situation underscores the strategic importance of Greenland and the cautious approach taken by Denmark and its allies.