HOVELTE, Denmark — In a significant shift toward gender equality in national defense, Denmark has announced it will include women in its military draft for the first time, beginning in summer 2025.

Peering through the dense woodland near Copenhagen, Katrine, a 20-year-old female soldier, completes her final military exercise. Like many women in Denmark's current conscription program, she volunteered. That will soon change.

As part of its expanding military strategy, Denmark is moving toward a gender-neutral draft lottery, requiring both men and women aged 18+ to potentially serve. Previously, only men were automatically included in the draft, while women could choose to opt in.

"In the situation the world is in now, it's needed," said Katrine. "It’s only fair and right that women participate equally with men."

The new policy comes as Denmark responds to increasing global instability — especially Russia's invasion of Ukraine — and aims to bolster its defense capacity. Under current plans, Denmark's annual conscription numbers are expected to rise from 4,700 to 6,500 by 2033.

🛡️ Military Buildup & Broader Strategy

Denmark, with a population of 6 million and a current professional military force of just 9,000, is undergoing a military modernization and expansion. In February, the government established a $7 billion defense fund, boosting spending to over 3% of GDP — far above NATO’s 2% target.

This investment includes:

• Expanding basic training from 4 to 11 months

• Building new barracks

• Increasing NATO participation, especially in the Baltic region

"We see a sharpened security situation in Europe," said Rikke Haugegaard, a researcher at the Royal Danish Defense College. "This is a general effort to strengthen Danish defense."

⚠️ Challenges Ahead

Despite growing support, concerns remain. Denmark faces:

• Infrastructure challenges (housing for new recruits)

• Gender integration issues

• Risks of sexual harassment in a rapidly growing mixed-gender force

“It will be a gradual process,” Haugegaard said. “The first years will be about building capacity — not just bodies, but space, equipment, and culture.”

🌍 A Regional Trend

Denmark is not alone. Other Nordic countries have taken similar steps:

• Norway instituted gender-equal conscription in 2013

• Sweden reintroduced conscription for both sexes in 2017

• Finland has debated broader reforms, though still drafts only men by law

🪖 Looking Forward

The decision to fast-track the inclusion of women into the draft — originally slated for 2027 — was accelerated in light of Russia’s ongoing military actions.

“Raising the number of conscripts will lead to more combat power,” said Col. Kenneth Strøm, head of Denmark’s conscription program.

Denmark's move signals not only a military upgrade but a societal transformation, embracing equality in one of the most traditionally male-dominated institutions.