As Denmark faces increasing security challenges stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the country has officially extended compulsory military conscription to women, marking a historic move aimed at enhancing its armed forces capability and meeting NATO expectations.
Denmark Expands Military Draft to Include Women Amid Rising Concerns Over Russian Threat
Denmark Expands Military Draft to Include Women Amid Rising Concerns Over Russian Threat
In a significant shift, Denmark has introduced compulsory military service for women as the nation bolsters its military readiness in response to potential threats from Russia.
Denmark has taken a historic step by extending compulsory military conscription to women, implementing this change as of July 1, 2025. This initiative seeks to bolster the nation's defense capabilities amidst rising tensions related to Russia's actions in Ukraine and the broader European context. Previously, women could voluntarily join the military but were not part of the draft lottery system that applied to men.
The decision, backed by Danish Parliament and articulated by defense chief Michael W. Hyldgaard, stems from the urgency to recruit more personnel. "The defense needs all the fighting power we can mobilize," he stated in March when the proposal was first announced. Currently, women constitute roughly 10 percent of Denmark's military forces, which include the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
In a move reflective of the changing security dynamics in Europe, Denmark has been increasing its military spending and restructuring its defense policy since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Although Denmark does not share a border with Russia, concerns about Russian operations in the Arctic and the Baltic Sea have heightened anticipation regarding national security threats.
Military experts, like Mikkel Runge Olesen from the Danish Institute for International Studies, assert while there may not be immediate fears of direct attacks, the political climate necessitates a stronger military presence and readiness.
The lottery system will only be activated if there are insufficient volunteers to meet military needs, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to gaining adequate manpower for national defense. As Denmark strives to enhance its fighting capabilities, this monumental policy shift signifies not just an increase in military personnel but also a move towards greater inclusivity in defense responsibilities within the society.
