With heightened security risks in Europe, Denmark is facing the necessity of increasing its military capacities by involving women in the conscription lottery.
**Denmark Opens Military Draft to Women Amid Rising Security Concerns**
**Denmark Opens Military Draft to Women Amid Rising Security Concerns**
For the first time, Denmark extends compulsory military service to women to bolster defense against potential Russian threats.
As of July 1, 2025, women in Denmark have officially become eligible for military conscription, marking a significant shift in the Nordic nation's defense policy in response to growing concerns over security stemming from Russia. This new development comes as part of a broader effort to expand Denmark's armed forces amid pressures to meet NATO commitments and address potential threats from the East.
The decision to include women in the military draft was announced in a governmental agreement back in March, followed by parliamentary approval in June. “The defense needs all the fighting power we can mobilize,” stated Michael W. Hyldgaard, Denmark’s chief of defense, stressing the importance of broadening recruitment to ensure an effective military force.
Historically, while Danish women have always had the option to volunteer for military service, they were not subject to the same conscription lottery as their male counterparts. Instead, the lottery system was utilized only when volunteer numbers were insufficient. Currently, women make up approximately 10% of the personnel in the Danish Army, Navy, and Air Force.
This change comes as Denmark reflects on the shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly in light of Russia's aggressive maneuvers in Europe since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite not sharing a border with Russia, Danish officials remain apprehensive about Russia's military activities in the Arctic and Baltic Sea, which have involved sabotage operations against critical infrastructure.
Experts suggest that while there may not be immediate fears of a direct invasion, Danish leaders are wary of potential threats. Mikkel Runge Olesen, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, highlighted that the decision to draft women is rooted in increasing preparedness for any future conflict scenarios.
In addition to drafting women, Denmark has announced plans to significantly ramp up military expenditures as part of its long-term defense strategy. The nation, which boasts a population of about six million, currently fields around 16,600 active-duty personnel. Through these efforts, Denmark aims to enhance its combat readiness for a safer future amid uncertain security conditions in Europe.
