Danish Special Forces Train in -40°C to Protect Greenland Amid U.S. Threats

Greenland: Greenland has emerged as a major geopolitical hotspot, attracting the attention of global powers. Russia is increasing its military presence in the Arctic, China is investing in the region’s rare minerals, and former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the United States intends to take control of the island at any cost, leaving the option of military intervention open.

In response, Denmark, responsible for Greenland’s defense, is taking no chances. Its elite special forces are undergoing extreme Arctic training to counter any potential U.S. threat. According to The Sun, temperatures in Greenland’s dense Arctic terrain can drop to -40°C, with only limited daylight hours, making the conditions extremely challenging.

Elite Danish Units on High Alert
Denmark’s special forces, including the Jæger Corps, Frogman Corps, and the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, are preparing for any contingency. The Danish government has made it clear: their soldiers will act decisively if Greenland’s sovereignty is threatened.

Christian Christensen, senior researcher at the Center for Military Studies, University of Copenhagen, explained that these units are highly versatile, capable of operating from the Arctic to the Gulf of Guinea. The Jæger Corps, modeled after the SAS and U.S. Army Rangers, specializes in high-risk reconnaissance and behind-enemy-lines missions.

Intense Training for Extreme Conditions
Jæger Corps operatives undergo months of rigorous training in land navigation, weapons handling, and survival tactics before reaching the final selection phase. Greenland’s frozen tundra serves not only as a training ground but also as a potential battlefield. These elite soldiers are trained to parachute into Arctic storms, operate in complete darkness, survive on minimal rations for weeks, build emergency shelters in snow, and maintain weapon functionality in extreme cold.

Frogman Corps: Masters of Arctic Warfare
Denmark’s Frogman Corps, the nation’s Navy SEAL equivalent, is trained for underwater sabotage, amphibious assaults, and hostage rescue operations. Established in 1957, the unit has experience ranging from combating Somali pirates to intelligence missions. In Greenland, Frogmen practice infiltration under icy waters and landings on frozen shores, simulating attacks on enemy infrastructure under conditions that would incapacitate most soldiers.

Sirius Dog Sled Patrol: Guardians of the Arctic
The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, another elite Danish unit, operates in teams of two with sled dogs, rifles, and survival gear, patrolling Greenland’s remote snow-covered regions across thousands of miles. Originally established during World War II to protect Greenland from German forces, the patrol now monitors Denmark’s Arctic sovereignty and specializes in survival in extreme Arctic conditions.

Christensen noted that while the Jæger Corps and Frogman Corps are comparable to NATO and U.S. special forces, the Sirius Patrol is uniquely focused on Greenland’s northeast, highlighting Denmark’s strategic Arctic capabilities.