The Danish Defense Ministry is preparing to stand firm, ordering that any hostile activities on Greenland, including those conducted by the U.S. military without prior notice, may be met with fire.

Recently, the Danish Defense Ministry and the Defense Command confirmed to the media Berlingske that a standing military order issued in 1952 remains in effect—meaning Danish soldiers stationed on Greenland have the authority to respond with force to any 'hostile activities' on the island, even those carried out by the U.S. military without prior notification.

After all, the U.S. and Denmark are NATO allies, and Thule Air Base on Greenland has been one of the most important strategic outposts for the U.S. military in the Arctic since the Cold War. Although the U.S. has maintained a long-term presence, its legal status is based on the 1951 Denmark–U.S. Defense Agreement, which explicitly requires U.S. approval from the Danish government before conducting military activities beyond routine operations.

This 1952 military order was established shortly after the above agreement was signed. It is not directed at any specific country but establishes a fundamental principle: Greenland, as an inseparable part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has its territorial integrity safeguarded by Danish armed forces. Any unauthorized, 'hostile' actions—regardless of origin—may trigger a defensive use of force. The term 'hostile activities' is broadly defined, including unauthorized military deployments, reconnaissance flights, ground operations, and even secret construction projects.

Denmark relies on U.S. military protection while remaining vigilant against the risk of losing Greenland. This recent statement is not about expelling the U.S. military, but rather reaffirming the rules: cooperation is possible, but must follow established procedures. In other words, this is not about attacking the U.S. military, but about 'governing the territory by law.' If the U.S. were to forcibly seize Greenland, it might be seen by local Danish commanders as a violation of the agreement, thereby triggering the response measures authorized under the military order.

It is unclear how much impact this statement will have. It may serve as a deterrent to the U.S., preventing the White House from misjudging Denmark's willingness to act; however, if the U.S. were to actually act, would Denmark dare to open fire?