Denmark secretly deployed troops to Greenland in January 2026 carrying explosives intended to disable the island’s runways, according to a report by Danish broadcaster DR. The deployment was part of a contingency plan to prevent U.S. aircraft from landing amid heightened tensions over U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to control Greenland for national security reasons.
Military Deployment and Strategic Preparations
The Danish military operational order dated January 13, 2026, reviewed by DR, outlined the plan to position soldiers equipped with explosives and medical supplies in Greenland. The move coincided with joint troop deployments under NATO’s Arctic Endurance exercise, which also involved France, Germany, and Sweden. Unnamed Danish military sources cited by DR emphasized the need to consider “all possible scenarios” given the U.S. interest in Greenland.
These operational deployments aimed to ensure Greenland’s airfields could be rendered unusable quickly to block access to American military aircraft if needed. The Danish government sought to balance preparedness with efforts to avoid escalating the situation with Washington.
Political Context and International Reactions
President Trump publicly stated his desire to acquire Greenland, calling for U.S. control over the island, a proposal rejected by both Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Following the deployments, Trump announced a vague “framework” agreement with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on January 21, though details remained undisclosed.
U.S. Northern Command Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot later testified that the U.S. was working with Denmark to expand access to bases across Greenland under the 1951 treaty, citing Greenland’s strategic importance amid increased Arctic competition.
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