Denmark has confirmed that a military rule dating back to 1952 remains in force, obliging Danish troops to open fire immediately in the event of a foreign military invasion, including on the territory of Greenland, without waiting for orders from higher command.
The information was reported by The Telegraph, citing the Danish Ministry of Defence, which emphasized that the rule applies exclusively to a genuine military invasion and does not cover diplomatic incidents or routine foreign military presence.
According to this doctrine, if foreign troops land on Danish territory, soldiers on the ground are legally required to respond with force immediately, without awaiting confirmation or instructions from central command. The principle is summed up clearly as: “Defend first, investigate later.”
Greenland at the Center of Strategic Attention
The renewed public focus on this doctrine comes amid a sensitive geopolitical context, in which Greenland has gained increased strategic importance due to its Arctic location, natural resources, and growing interest from major powers, including the United States.
Although Denmark and the United States are NATO allies, Danish authorities have clarified that the rule makes no exceptions for allies if a scenario involves a genuine military invasion without Copenhagen’s consent.
A Cold War Doctrine Still in Force
The rule originates from the Cold War era, when the threat of a sudden and unannounced attack made immediate local military response essential.
The fact that it remains active today underscores Denmark’s position that territorial sovereignty is non-negotiable, regardless of changes in the global security architecture.
The Ministry of Defence stressed that this doctrine is an extreme defensive mechanism designed for extreme scenarios, and reiterated that Denmark’s official policy remains cooperation and coordination with its allies.
Nevertheless, the message is unmistakable: in the event of a military invasion, force will be used immediately.
