Thomas Bate

Denmark prepared for a possible U.S. attack: Flew blood supplies to Greenland and planned to blow up runways Key sources in Denmark and Europe are now revealing for the first time what happened during the most critical days, when Donald Trump threatened to take Greenland “the hard way.” When Danish soldiers were rapidly deployed to Greenland in January this year, they brought explosives with them. The plan was to destroy runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq to prevent American military aircraft from landing troops on the island, should the U.S. president ultimately decide to seize Greenland by force. They also transported blood supplies from Danish blood banks so wounded personnel could be treated in case of combat. This is reported by DR, which over the past year has spoken with central sources in the Danish government, top military officers, and high-ranking officials and intelligence sources in Denmark, France, and Germany. All sources have played—and continue to play—key roles in the international crisis triggered by the United States’ demand for control over Greenland. Together, the sources describe an unprecedented year marked by sleepless nights. None of them had concrete intelligence of specific American attack plans against Greenland. Still, many feared in January that the historically important ally, the United States, could attack at any moment. At the same time, Denmark reached out to its European allies, leading to closer cooperation. “With the Greenland crisis, Europe realized once and for all that we must be able to handle our own security,” said a French senior official involved in the intense period. A rapid-response force consisting of Danish, French, German, Norwegian, and Swedish soldiers was first deployed to Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq. Shortly after, a main force followed, including: -Soldiers from the Danish Dragoon Regiment in Holstebro -Elite troops from the Jaeger Corps -French alpine troops trained for cold and mountainous warfare At the same time, Danish fighter jets and a French naval vessel were sent to the North Atlantic. According to several sources, the goal of having multinational troops on the ground was to ensure that any U.S. attempt to take Greenland would require a large-scale hostile action—thereby deterring such an attempt. “We have not been in such a situation since April 1940,” said a Danish defense source, referring to the days before Denmark’s occupation during World War II. Unlike in 1940, when Denmark chose not to resist militarily, the government and defense leadership this time decided—after extensive confidential discussions—to take the opposite approach: If the U.S. attempted an attack, Danish forces would be armed and ready to fight. Danish F-35 fighter jets deployed north were also fully armed. All this despite the understanding that Denmark could not realistically withstand a U.S. military attack. “The cost for the U.S. had to be raised. The U.S. would have to carry out a hostile act to take Greenland,” said a senior Danish defense source. Source: DR