Denmark Extends Conscription to Women Amid Rising Russia Threat

Denmark has begun requiring women to register for possible military conscription, placing them on the same footing as men for the first time. The measure, which took effect on 1 July, covers all citizens who turn 18 after that date.

Under the revised law, young Danes must attend the annual “Defence Day” for medical and aptitude checks; if voluntary enlistment falls short, conscripts are selected by lottery. Copenhagen also plans to extend mandatory service from four to 11 months by 2026.

Officials say the move is meant to lift troop numbers as European security concerns grow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Women already made up about 24% of Denmark’s 4,700 voluntary conscripts in 2024, and the armed forces aim to increase annual intakes to roughly 6,500 by 2033. The government has paired the reform with a 40.5 billion-kroner ($5.9 billion) defence spending package over the next five years.

By expanding the draft, Denmark joins Nordic neighbours Norway and Sweden in adopting gender-neutral conscription, part of a broader push among NATO members to reinforce their forces and meet the alliance’s spending goals.