Denmark extends enlistment requirement to women amid Russian aggression

With Europe feeling the threat of Russian aggression, Denmark is bulking up its military by making women subject to the draft for the first time in the nation’s history. Both men and women may still volunteer, but the ranks will be filled out by a gender-neutral draft lottery.  

Some female troops told The Associated Press that they believe the new rules are “fair” and “right” in putting women on equal ground with men. Under the new requirements passed by Denmark’s parliament earlier this month, Danish women who turn 18 after Tuesday, July 1, will enter the lottery system along with their male counterparts. 

Bulking up military amid Russian aggression

The move comes as Russia ramps up attacks in the fourth year of its war against Ukraine, and as NATO nations increase defense spending, fearing Moscow could target them next.

Denmark currently appears relatively safe from threats from Moscow. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left a mark on military training as soldiers learn of new developments on the battlefield.

Mandate moved up from 2027

The Scandinavian nation moved up changes to its draft from 2027 to 2025 because of “the current security situation,” Col. Kenneth Strom, head of the Danish conscription program, told the AP.

“They could simply take part in NATO collective deterrence,” Strom said. “Raising the number of conscripts, that would simply lead to more combat power.” 

The change is expected to increase the number of Danish citizens performing military service by almost 40% over the next eight years, to 6,500. The country has another 9,000 professional troops.

Under current law, able-bodied men are required to perform military service after they turn 18. Both men and women may volunteer, but open slots are filled through a draft system that previously drafted only men. Women made up roughly 25% of the country’s enlistees in 2024. 

Denmark joins other Scandinavian countries that include women in the draft. In 2017, Sweden implemented a military draft for both males and females, citing security concerns in Europe. Norway has required military conscription for both men and women since 2013.

Other notable changes

The new rules also extend compulsory service from four months to 11 months. Draftees will spend their first five months in basic training and the following six months in military operations and additional training.

The change is part of a broader effort to enhance Denmark’s military capabilities. 

Earlier this year, the Danish government announced it would allocate $7 billion to increase its defense spending to more than 3% of its gross domestic product (GDP). The money went into what is known as the Acceleration Fund, which is partly financing the enlarged conscription program.

“We see a sharpened security situation in Europe,” Rikke Haugegaard, a researcher from the Royal Danish Defense College, told the AP. “We have the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We have focus on the Baltic countries, where Denmark is contributing a lot of soldiers. So, I think it’s a general effort to strengthen Danish defense.”

Concerns over requirement

However, Haugegaard pointed out several potential problems, including equipment that is not designed for females and too few barracks, which has led to concerns over possible sexual harassment.

“For the next year or two, we will be building a lot of new buildings to accommodate all these people,” Haugegaard said. “So, it will be a gradual process.”