US EditionWomen can be drafted into the Danish military as Russian aggression and military investment grows
- Denmark passed new rules in June 2025 making military conscription compulsory for women, applying a gender-neutral draft lottery starting this summer.
- This change accelerates a 2024 defense agreement aiming to boost military strength amid a sharpened European security situation and Russian aggression.
- Female conscripts like Katrine completed final exercises near Hovelte barracks on June 11, reflecting broader efforts to increase the annual conscript number and extend service from four to 11 months.
- Kenneth Ström, head of conscription, stated that the reform responds to today’s security challenges and highlighted that women may participate in NATO's collective deterrence efforts.
- The reform marks a significant shift in defense policy to strengthen Danish forces while acknowledging challenges like equipment and barracks adjustments.
59 Articles
59 Articles
Denmark extends military draft 'lottery' to adult women as Russian aggression fears persist
Currently, women comprise around 10 per cent of the Danish Army, Navy and Air Force. Denmark uses the draft lottery only when there are not enough volunteers to meet staffing needs
Because of a reform that increases the minimum annual number of conscripts and conscripts
Young Danish men have been eligible for selection for a long time. Denmark is following the example of Norway and Sweden, because its army is short of people.
If not enough volunteers come forward, they will be drawn by lot.
Brigadier General Susanne Lund, who was the only female conscript on her team when she pulled on the jersey for the first time, and has since achieved a lot in the Armed Forces as "the first woman", is rejoicing over...
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