Denmark Prepared to Destroy Greenland Runways Over US Invasion Fears

COPENHAGEN – Danish forces reportedly prepared to destroy key airport runways in Greenland in case US President Donald Trump attempted to seize the Arctic island, according to Denmark’s public broadcaster, DR.

Sources from the Danish government, military, and European allies told DR that blood supplies were also brought in to treat potential casualties in the event of fighting. 

The report was later confirmed by two European officials to the Financial Times. The Danish defence ministry declined to comment to the BBC.

Only a limited number of military personnel were aware of the operation due to strict security protocols, a senior Danish official told the BBC anonymously.

Greenland, a semi-autonomous region of Denmark, has been the subject of repeated interest from Trump, who publicly expressed his desire to annex the island during a potential second presidential term. Both Denmark and Greenland’s leadership have consistently rejected these proposals.

DR said its report was based on 12 high-level sources in the Danish government and military, as well as officials from France and Germany. According to these sources, Copenhagen sought political support from Paris, Berlin, and Nordic countries to show European solidarity and strengthen joint military presence in Greenland.

Tensions reportedly intensified following a January 3 operation in Venezuela, where US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro. The next day, Trump indicated plans to focus on Greenland, calling it “strategically important” and claiming—without evidence—that Russian and Chinese forces were present in the area.

In response, Denmark and its European allies deployed a small contingent of Danish, French, German, Norwegian, and Swedish soldiers to Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq, locations with key airports. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that these forces would later be reinforced with additional land, air, and sea assets.

The operation, officially labeled as Danish-led joint exercises called Operation Arctic Endurance, reportedly had a covert objective: preparing for a potential US invasion. Danish forces were instructed to resist any hostile attempt and, if necessary, destroy runways to prevent American aircraft from landing.

A Danish defence source told DR, “The cost to the US would have to be raised. They would have to carry out a hostile act to get Greenland.” However, officials acknowledged that Danish troops alone would likely have been unable to repel a full-scale US assault.

By January 21, Trump publicly softened his stance, stating at the World Economic Forum in Davos that he did not want to use force and was seeking immediate negotiations to reach a compromise over Greenland.

Why Denmark Took This Step

Denmark’s decision to prepare its troops and airport runways in Greenland came from concerns over national sovereignty and the strategic importance of the island. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, and Danish authorities viewed repeated US statements about annexing the island as a serious threat.

• Protecting Sovereignty: Denmark feared that if the US attempted to seize Greenland, it could be forced into a military confrontation with a much stronger power. Preparing to destroy runways was a way to raise the cost for the US and prevent easy military access.
• European Support: Denmark sought political and military backing from European allies, including France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden. Deploying joint military contingents to Greenland was meant to show solidarity and strengthen European influence in the Arctic region.
• Strategic Importance: Greenland’s location makes it crucial for Arctic surveillance, military logistics, and control over the North Atlantic. Denmark wanted to ensure that this strategic advantage remained in European hands rather than being taken over by the US.

Timeline: Danish preparations began in early January 2026, shortly after US forces conducted the operation in Venezuela on January 3. Elite Danish troops, along with European contingents, were sent to Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq immediately afterward.

What the US Wants

US interest in Greenland has been explicitly stated by President Trump, who described the island as strategically vital for national security. Reports suggest that Trump wanted to annex Greenland during a possible second term, citing its location and potential military significance.

• Strategic Military Access: Greenland allows control over key parts of the Arctic, enabling monitoring of Russian and Chinese activity, according to US claims.
• Natural Resources: Greenland is believed to have valuable minerals, including rare earth metals, which are critical for technology and defense industries.
• Geopolitical Influence: Annexing Greenland would expand US influence in the Arctic, potentially limiting European and Chinese presence.

Timeline: Trump made repeated public statements about wanting Greenland in early January 2026, especially after the US operation in Venezuela. However, by January 21, 2026, Trump stated at the Davos World Economic Forum that he did not want to use force and preferred immediate negotiations.

Possible Future Scenarios

• Denmark: Danish forces remain on alert in Greenland as part of ongoing military exercises. Any escalation would likely be preceded by political negotiations, but Denmark has shown it is willing to take defensive measures to protect its territory.
• US: The US appears to have shifted from a potential military approach to seeking diplomatic discussions, at least publicly. Negotiations may continue over access or agreements for strategic cooperation rather than outright annexation.