Denmark is set to expand its military service to include women, with the government requiring them to register for assessment days starting in 2025. The move aims to recruit more soldiers and strengthen defenses amid growing security concerns across Europe. Under a law passed by Denmark’s parliament in June 2023, women turning 18 after July 1, 2025, will be eligible to register for potential military conscription.
Currently, women make up around 24% of all recruits, but they join the military on a voluntary basis only. The government believes that with more women contributing to national defense, Denmark can strengthen its defenses and meet growing security demands. To prepare for this expansion, the armed forces are making adjustments in barracks and equipment to better suit female soldiers.
Denmark plans to increase the duration of conscription from four months to 11 months by 2026 and raise the number of recruits doing military service from around 5,000 now to 7,500 in 2033. The government believes that this expansion will help Denmark maintain its security and contribute to NATO’s efforts to boost defense spending among member countries.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/denmark-expands-military-service-include-women-2025-07-01