- India,
- 09-Jan-2026 01:22 PM IST
How Powerful Is Denmark's Military That Is Threatening the United States? Read the Comparison with the US Here
Tensions between the United States and Denmark have escalated over Greenland. Former and current President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, and recently reiterated threats, including potential military options, prompting strong warnings from Denmark. But how strong is Denmark's military compared to the world's superpower, the United States? Let's compare their military strengths based on the latest Global Firepower Index data for 2025 (with 2026 updates in progress).
The controversy, ongoing since 2019, has intensified in early 2026. Trump has stated that the US "absolutely needs" Greenland for national security reasons, citing threats from Russia and China in the Arctic. In response, Denmark has warned that any military action against Greenland would effectively end NATO and has urged Trump to stop the threats.
Denmark's Military Strength
Denmark maintains a modern, professional armed force focused on NATO commitments, Arctic defense, and international missions. According to the Global Firepower 2025 Index, Denmark ranks 45th out of 145 countries.
Key statistics:
- Population: Approximately 5.97 million
- Land Area: 43,094 sq km
- Active Personnel: Around 20,000
- Reserve Personnel: 12,000
- Paramilitary: 51,000
- Tanks: 44
- Armored Vehicles: 3,856
- Self-Propelled Artillery: 19
- Rocket Projectors: 8
- Total Aircraft: 117 (including about 31 fighters/interceptors)
- Naval Assets: 50 (including 9 frigates and patrol vessels)
United States' Military Power
The US possesses the world's most powerful military by a wide margin. It ranks 1st in the Global Firepower 2025 Index, with unmatched global projection capabilities.
Key statistics:
- Population: Approximately 342 million
- Land Area: 9,833,517 sq km
- Active Personnel: Over 1.3 million
- Reserve Personnel: Nearly 800,000
- Tanks: 4,640
- Armored Vehicles: Over 391,000
- Self-Propelled Artillery: 671
- Towed Artillery: 1,212
- Rocket Projectors: 641
- Total Aircraft: Over 13,000 (including thousands of fighters, attack aircraft, and helicopters)
- Naval Assets: 440 (including 11 aircraft carriers, 70 submarines, and numerous destroyers)
What Threat Has Denmark Issued to the US?
In January 2026, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's leaders strongly condemned Trump's renewed statements about acquiring Greenland, including hints at military options. Denmark has warned that a US attack on Greenland (a Danish autonomous territory) would destroy NATO, as it would involve aggression against a fellow alliance member. European allies have rallied in support, discussing contingency plans.
Why Does the United States Want Greenland?
Greenland, with a population of just 57,000, is strategically vital due to its Arctic location, rare earth minerals (including uranium and zinc), potential new shipping routes (Northwest Passage), and military significance. Trump has framed it as essential for countering Russian and Chinese influence, stating the island is "surrounded" by their vessels.
This comparison highlights the vast disparity in direct military power—Denmark cannot match the US conventionally. However, Denmark's strength lies in NATO membership, where an attack could trigger collective defense obligations (though complicated by US involvement). The dispute appears headed toward diplomacy rather than conflict, with ongoing talks between US and Danish officials.