Latvia has announced plans to expand compulsory military service to women starting in 2028, in what officials describe as a necessary step to bolster defense capabilities against growing regional threats. Defense Minister Andris Spruds said his party will submit a proposal to the government next year, with the aim of doubling the armed forces to 31,000 soldiers by 2028.

Demographic Challenges and Security Context

Officials acknowledge that the proposal faces hurdles, particularly Latvia’s low birth rate and an aging population. Yet the government argues that expanding the pool of conscripts is essential to meeting security demands.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Latvia and its Baltic neighbors have increased defense budgets, purchased long-range artillery and air-defense systems, and strengthened NATO deployments in the region.

Regional Comparisons

If approved, Latvia would join Denmark, which announced this year that it will begin drafting women into its armed forces starting in 2026. Other European countries, including Norway and Sweden, already practice gender-neutral conscription.

Latvian officials say such steps are crucial for ensuring parity in burden-sharing across NATO and preparing for sustained deterrence measures on the alliance’s eastern flank.