In a historic shift for the Danish military, women will now be subject to conscription alongside men, as Denmark ramps up its defense posture in response to heightened regional threats, especially from Russia.

Beginning summer 2025, all Danish citizens turning 18 — regardless of gender — will be eligible for military conscription through a lottery system, as part of sweeping reforms to expand Denmark’s armed forces. Until now, only men were drafted, though women could volunteer. The reform accelerates a 2024 defense agreement initially scheduled for 2027 implementation.

“In the situation the world is in now, it’s needed,” said Katrine, a 20-year-old volunteer recruit. “It’s only fair and right that women participate equally with men.”

Colonel Kenneth Strøm, head of the conscription program, described the move as a response to the “current security situation,” noting it would contribute to NATO’s collective deterrence by boosting Denmark’s military readiness.

Expanding Manpower and Military Investment

Denmark, with a population of 6 million, has around 9,000 professional troops. The number of annual conscripts is expected to rise from 4,700 to 6,500 by 2033. Under the new plan, conscripts will serve for 11 months — nearly triple the current four-month term — and receive five months of basic training followed by operational service.

This development comes alongside a major defense investment package. In February, Denmark launched a $7 billion military fund designed to raise its defense spending to more than 3% of GDP in 2025, one of the highest levels in NATO.

“This is a general effort to strengthen the Danish defense,” said Rikke Haugegaard of the Royal Danish Defense College, adding that Denmark is already heavily involved in Baltic security.

Learning from Ukraine, Preparing for NATO

Russian military aggression has reshaped Denmark’s threat assessment. Conscripts train with tactics informed by the war in Ukraine, making the threat feel more real to young soldiers. “That makes it very real,” Katrine said, reflecting on lessons drawn from the battlefield.

Denmark’s move follows similar gender-integrated conscription models in Sweden (2017) and Norway (2013), marking a regional trend toward equal military obligation.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its ambition, the reform faces practical hurdles. Denmark must invest in new facilities, equipment tailored to women, and stronger safeguards against harassment. “For the next year or two, we will be building a lot of new buildings,” Haugegaard noted. “So, it will be a gradual process.”

Still, officials say the benefits outweigh the risks — not just in strengthening military capability, but in reinforcing the principle of shared civic duty.