Denmark will shoot first and ask questions later if the US decides to invade Greenland, army rules state. 

Tensions have been escalating this week over the Trump administration’s threats to use the US military to seize the island, despite furious warnings from Europe’s leaders – including Sir Keir Starmer – that they will ‘not stop defending’ Greenland. 

The Danish defence ministry today confirmed there is a 1952 rule requiring soldiers to attack invading forces ‘immediately’ without awaiting orders. 

The defence ministry added that the rule ‘remains in force’ when questioned about its status by Danish newspaper Berlingske. 

It comes as Donald Trump and his top advisers explore plans including purchasing Greenland or taking charge of its defense, a senior administration official said this week. 

The White House threateningly told how ‘utilising the US military is always an option’ and warned the issue is ‘not going away’ despite the protests of NATO leaders. 

Trump has argued that the US needs to control Greenland to ensure NATO security against rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic. 

According to Danish newspaper Berlingske, the 1952 rule says that if an invasion occurs, ‘the attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war’.

The Danish defence ministry told the newspaper today: ‘The order on precautionary measures for military defence in the event of attacks on the country and during war, remains in force.’

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