A DANISH army chief has revealed plans to protect Greenland from a US invasion – as Nato troops including one Brit soldier have rushed to the island in the face of Donald Trump’s threats.
Major General Peter Boysen outlined the critical isle’s military capabilities, emphasised the need for “boots on the ground”, and told why reconnaissance was key to thwarting any invasion.
An army chief has revealed how Denmark will repel any US invasionCredit: Reuters
Trump has ramped up his threats on seizing GreenlandCredit: Reuters
It comes after Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Trump is – a position he deemed “totally unacceptable”.
Nato allies France, Sweden, Germany and Norway announced Wednesday that they would deploy military personnel as part of Operation Arctic Endurance.
Describing how Copenhagen would foil any invasion attempt by the US, Boysen told The Atlantic that “domain awareness” would be key to their defence.
This vital reconnaissance would be established with the help of air capabilities and cyber defence systems – including satellites and drones, he said.
But re-emphasising the importance of troops, the chief said: “In order to maintain sovereignty, you need boots on the ground.
“We need, of course, to have units that are able to deploy to Greenland in times of crisis to show presence.”
Boysen also outlined how Denmark has one battalion with about 600 soldiers which is capable of deploying to the Arctic.
He also highlighted Copenhagen’s military rule that soldiers “” if faced with an attack.
“You have to,” he said.
“It’s an obligation.”
New conscription rules and Nato forces will add to Greenland’s beefed up defences, Boysen said.
He claimed Denmark‘s “ability to operate up there will increase” due to the boost.
Explaining how drills were already taking place, he also pointed to a Denmark-led exercise on the island in 2025, which included France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.
“I think some of our key allies would want to join us, including the Americans, on Greenland,” he said.
A British military officer is among the international force of European troops being deployed to Greenland following unsuccessful talks over the coveted island in Washington.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said: “At the request of the Danish government, there is one UK military officer that is part of this reconnaissance group.”
Germany’s defence ministry said the deployment of a 13-strong Bundeswehr reconnaissance team to Nuuk from Thursday was at Denmark’s invitation, adding it would run from Thursday to Sunday.
Greenland’s deputy prime minister Mute Egede confirmed: “Soldiers of NATO are expected to be more present in Greenland from today and in the coming days.
A Royal Danish Air Force Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules arrives in Greenland with Danish military personnelCredit: AFP
“It is expected that there will be more military flights and ships,” adding that they would be “training”.
Trump said Wednesday he wouldn’t “give up options” on acquiring Greenland, but said he believed “something will work out.”
Rasmussen held crunch talks with vice president and secretary of state Marco Rubio and admitted a “fundamental disagreement” in discussions.
Trump, who did not attend the meeting, acknowledged Greenland’s interests, but reaffirmed that he was still weighing his options.
“I have a very good relationship with Denmark, and we’ll see how it all works out. I think something will work out,” Trump said without explaining further.
He reiterated that Denmark was powerless if Russia or China wanted to occupy Greenland, but added: “There’s everything we can do.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “The first French military personnel are already on their way. Others will follow.”
The Danish army will use drones to gain ‘domain awareness’Credit: Alamy
Satellites will be used to gather data during any invasionCredit: Getty
It follows Trump’s ramped up rhetoric about seizing the territory through economic or military means.
On Wednesday, Trump said “anything less” than complete US control of Greenland is “unacceptable”.
Denmark is set to beef up its military presence in Greenland with Nato back up “from today” in response.
The Danish defence ministry said: “The Danish armed forces are, from today, deploying capabilities and units related to … exercise activities.”
Trump said that the island is “vital” for “the Golden Dome” he is building in a post on Truth Social, and that Nato should be helping him take the territory.
Trump also hit out at the defence pact, claiming: “Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent – Not even close!”
Nato troops have raced to GreenlandCredit: SWNS
Nato drills on the island have already taken placeCredit: AP
The White House also shared a post on social media with the caption “which way, Greenland man?”
The image shows two dog sleds carrying Greenland’s flag with one path leading to the White House and another to Russia and China, under dark skies and lightning.
Buying Greenland could cost Trump an eye watering $700 billion, former US officials told NBC.
It attaches a price tag of more than half of the Defence Department’s annual budget to the island, stoking fears the US may opt to seize the territory by force.
The “frank” meeting between officials discussed Arctic security, with the Danes admitting they share some of the same concerns as Trump.
Rasmussen said there is no “instant threat” from China and Russia that Denmark and Greenland “can’t accommodate”.
But, he said Denmark has already stepped up its security responsibilities, increasing its funding for the military, including ships, drones and fighter jets.
Trump has threatened to seize the island and not ruled out military actionCredit: AP
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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