In a landmark shift in Denmark’s approach to military service, women will now be required to undergo conscription just like men, starting at the age of 18. This change comes as part of new legislation passed by the Danish parliament, which mandates that both men and women be included in a lottery system for military service, fundamentally altering the country’s approach to conscription.
Previously, women were allowed to participate in military service on a voluntary basis, but under the new rules, they must now register for potential military service at 18. This move is aligned with NATO’s broader push to strengthen defense forces across Europe amidst rising security concerns. As tensions continue to build globally, especially in Europe, NATO countries are increasing their defense spending and military readiness, and Denmark’s decision reflects this larger trend.
Under the new rules, women will no longer be able to opt out of conscription, and will instead be subject to the same lottery system that has long applied to men. When they turn 18, women will register for the military, and volunteers will be recruited first. After the volunteer pool is filled, the remaining conscripts will be selected through the lottery system. The aim is to ensure Denmark has enough manpower to defend its borders and contribute to NATO’s collective security efforts.
As part of these changes, the conscription period for all conscripts, regardless of gender, will increase from the previous four-month service to a full 11 months. This increase in the duration of service reflects a growing need for skilled personnel across the Danish military, as the country works to meet its NATO obligations.
In 2024, approximately 4,700 Danish men and women participated in the conscription program, with about 24% of those being female volunteers. With the new regulations in place, this number is expected to rise to 6,500 conscripts annually by 2033. This significant increase is seen as necessary to bolster Denmark’s military capabilities in an uncertain geopolitical landscape.
Denmark’s decision to include women in conscription follows the examples set by its Nordic neighbors, Sweden and Norway, both of which have implemented similar measures in recent years. These countries have made gender equality a central component of their defense policies, recognizing that women have just as much to contribute to the security of their nations as men. In Sweden and Norway, women have been fully integrated into military service for several years, with positive results.
The introduction of mandatory conscription for both men and women in Denmark comes at a time when the country is significantly increasing its defense spending. In March 2025, the Danish government announced a substantial increase of 40.5 billion Danish crowns ($5.9 billion) in defense spending over the next five years, aimed at meeting NATO’s defense targets. This increase in military funding will help Denmark modernize its armed forces, improve its defense infrastructure, and enhance its strategic capabilities.
Denmark’s military currently employs approximately 9,000 professional personnel, and the new conscription policies will ensure that the country has enough trained soldiers to support its commitments within NATO. The decision to include women in the conscription process is seen as a practical response to the rising need for more personnel to maintain combat readiness and support Denmark’s role in the broader NATO alliance.
Colonel Kenneth Strom, who heads the Danish military’s conscription program, explained that the changes were made in response to the current security situation. He emphasized that the political decision to expand conscription was driven by the need to ensure that Denmark has the necessary combat power and skilled personnel for all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces. Strom stated that the decision was made with the collective security of NATO in mind and to better position Denmark to contribute effectively to regional defense efforts.
The move has been met with mixed reactions, but many see it as a necessary step in a rapidly changing security environment. Katrine, a current volunteer in Denmark’s military, expressed support for the changes, noting the importance of ensuring that women contribute equally to national defense efforts. She acknowledged that in the current global situation, where security concerns are rising, it is necessary for both men and women to be equally responsible for defending their country.
“I think it’s a positive change,” Katrine said in a recent interview with Reuters. “In the world situation we’re in right now, it’s necessary to have more conscripts, and I think that women should contribute to that equally, as men do.”
The integration of women into Denmark’s conscription system is part of a broader trend towards gender equality in military service. This change reflects a growing recognition that women are just as capable as men in performing military duties, and that their involvement is crucial for maintaining a well-rounded and effective defense force. As women are increasingly seen as equal participants in society, their role in national defense has become more recognized and valued.
While the new conscription rules are a major shift in Denmark’s military policy, they also reflect a broader evolution in how countries around the world view the role of women in military service. As more nations recognize the benefits of an inclusive military, women’s participation in defense and security roles is becoming more widespread. For Denmark, this change is not just about fulfilling NATO obligations but also about ensuring that its military forces are diverse, well-trained, and prepared for any challenge.
The decision to expand conscription to include women is also an important step towards ensuring that all citizens, regardless of gender, contribute to the collective security of their nation. With security concerns mounting in Europe and beyond, it is essential that all countries do their part to maintain peace and stability. Denmark’s move to integrate women into its conscription system is an important step in that direction.
As the conscription rules begin to take effect, many expect that the recruitment process will be closely monitored and evaluated. The Danish military will need to ensure that both male and female conscripts receive the training and support they need to succeed in their roles. At the same time, the government will need to address any logistical challenges posed by the increase in conscripted personnel, particularly in terms of housing, equipment, and training facilities.
Ultimately, the success of Denmark’s new conscription policy will depend on its ability to integrate both men and women into the military in a way that is fair, efficient, and supportive. With the right resources and support systems in place, this new approach could strengthen Denmark’s defense capabilities and position it as a leader in gender-inclusive military service.
As the global security landscape continues to evolve, Denmark’s decision to expand conscription and integrate women into military service is a significant step forward. It highlights the importance of inclusivity, equality, and preparedness in ensuring the safety and security of the nation. Through this bold move, Denmark is setting an example for other countries to follow, demonstrating that gender should not be a barrier to serving in the military and contributing to the defense of one’s country.
