Danish troops in Greenland were reportedly instructed to be combat-ready and issued with live ammunition, according to Danish public broadcaster DR, which said it had seen the military order behind the recent reinforcement of Denmark’s presence on the island.
The reported order: live ammunition and immediate readiness
DR reported that Danish soldiers deployed to Greenland received an order last week to be ready to fight if the territory were attacked, and to carry live rounds as part of their kit. The order, described as several pages long, reportedly directed the armed forces to strengthen their ability to execute Denmark’s defence plan for Greenland and to raise operational readiness quickly.
DR also reported that the instruction included so‑called KUP ammunition, intended to be kept close so a unit can respond immediately if required.
Operation Arctic Endurance and the accelerated deployment
The reported order is linked to the ongoing operation and exercise framework known as Operation “Arctic Endurance”, which is continuing around the clock.
The operation was planned in some form in advance but was brought forward so that personnel and military capacity would reach Greenland sooner than originally scheduled. DR said it has chosen not to publish specific dates for the different phases described in the order.
Transport to Greenland and the forces involved
Following the reported order, military and civilian aircraft were used to transport soldiers and equipment from Denmark to Greenland in a sustained airlift.
DR’s reporting described units from the Danish Army being deployed, alongside engineering elements and additional capabilities, with Danish naval assets positioned in Greenlandic waters and air force transport aircraft supporting the mission. Danish F‑35 fighter jets carried out patrols over Greenland during the operation.
Sweden asked to contribute planning officers
Denmark made a request to Swedish defence counterparts and the Swedish government early in the week, and that Sweden responded on short notice by sending a small number of planning officers to participate in the operation.
Swedish defence representatives were quoted by DR as saying that their participation would follow Denmark’s wishes regarding how and when Sweden should be involved.
Denmark’s government: no comment on “confidential documents”
Denmark’s Ministry of Defence declined to comment on DR’s description of the order, saying it would not address claims about the contents of potential confidential documents.
In a written response, the ministry said the purpose of the increased Danish presence is to train with allied forces under Greenland’s specific Arctic conditions. The ministry added that Operation Arctic Endurance is expected to continue through 2026 on land, at sea and in the air.
What is known, and what remains unclear
What is clear from the reporting is that Danish troops were reportedly told to maintain a higher level of readiness than usual for an exercise setting, including the use of live ammunition and an operational plan with multiple phases.
What remains unclear is the full chain of decision-making behind the timing of the accelerated deployment and the exact parameters of the scenarios covered by the underlying defence plan. Danish authorities have not publicly confirmed the details described by the broadcaster.
The episode nevertheless illustrates a shift in posture: Denmark’s Greenland presence, was framed not only as training but also as immediate combat readiness if the situation were to deteriorate.
