Denmark included women in compulsory military service

Denmark will incorporate women into mandatory military service as part of a comprehensive reform of its defense system, in response to the growing tension with Russia.

The measure, approved by the Danish Parliament at the beginning of June, establishes that women who turn 18 years old from this year onward will participate, just like men, in the draft for military service.

Until now, women could only join on a voluntary basis, although since the 1970s they have been allowed to access the Armed Forces professionally. This modification takes place in an increasingly tense European context following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In this regard, the country's authorities acknowledge that the events occurring in the Ukrainian conflict have directly influenced Danish military preparedness.

“In the current world situation, it is necessary,” stated Katrine, a 20-year-old woman who is currently undergoing her military training. “I believe it is fair and right for women to participate on equal terms with men,” she added, in statements released by The Associated Press.

Colonel Kenneth Strøm, head of the recruitment program, explained that the decision aims to strengthen national defense capability. With a population of approximately six million inhabitants, Denmark currently has 9,000 professional personnel. The implementation of this policy aims to increase the number of annual recruits from 4,700 to 6,500 by 2033.

In addition to increasing the number of conscripts, Denmark will also increase the duration of military service, which will go from four to eleven months. The new scheme will combine five months of basic training with six months of active service.

Although these reforms were originally planned for 2027, they were brought forward to 2025 and are part of a plan financed by a special fund to accelerate military strengthening, announced in February. With these measures, the Danish government aims to raise its defense investment to above 3% of GDP over the course of this year.

The initiative was well received by many of the women who are currently serving voluntarily. With this decision, Denmark aligns itself with other Nordic countries such as Norway and Sweden, which have already implemented mandatory military service regardless of gender.