Amidst rising tensions in Europe and increased military investment across NATO, Denmark has made a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities. For the first time, women will be subject to compulsory military enlistment, marking a historic shift in the country’s approach to national security.
This decision, passed by the Danish parliament in June 2025, means that Danish women turning 18 after July 2025 will be entered into a gender-neutral draft lottery alongside their male counterparts. While men and women can still volunteer, the lottery will fill any remaining spots in the military. This marks a significant departure from the previous system where women were solely permitted to serve voluntarily.
The rationale behind this change is clear: the escalating security situation in Europe. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and Russia’s increasingly assertive posture, have prompted Denmark to strengthen its military forces. This expansion aims to increase the total number of conscripts from 4,700 in 2024 to approximately 6,500 by 2033. The additional conscripts will enhance Denmark’s contribution to NATO’s collective defense efforts.
For young women like Katrine, a 20-year-old volunteer soldier who spoke to the Associated Press, the new draft is a welcome development. She views the inclusion of women as both fair and necessary in the current global climate. Her perspective reflects a growing sentiment that women should play an equal role in national defense.
The new conscription program is also expanding the length of service from four months to eleven months. Conscripts will undergo five months of basic training followed by six months of operational service, supplemented by additional coursework. This enhanced training reflects the evolving demands of modern warfare, influenced by lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Denmark’s decision is part of a larger military buildup. The government has earmarked a substantial $7 billion fund to boost defense spending to over 3% of its GDP in 2025. This investment will not only support the expansion of the conscription program but also address other infrastructural challenges such as procuring adequate equipment and constructing additional barracks to accommodate the increase in personnel.
This move by Denmark follows similar steps taken by neighboring countries. Sweden implemented a military draft for both men and women in 2017, while Norway introduced a similar law in 2013. These actions highlight a broader trend in Northern Europe where nations are strengthening their defenses in response to the changing geopolitical landscape. However, the transition is not without its challenges. Concerns regarding the provision of appropriate equipment, addressing potential instances of sexual harassment, and the need for additional facilities must be addressed proactively to ensure a smooth and equitable transition.
Denmark’s decision to include women in its mandatory military draft is a bold step reflecting the evolving realities of modern warfare and the importance of national security. It will be interesting to observe the long-term impact of this change on the Danish military, as well as its influence on the broader debate surrounding gender equality and national defense within NATO and beyond.
