Denmark to Include Women in Draft Lottery for Military Service Amid Heightened Security Concerns

Starting Wednesday, women in Denmark reaching the age of 18 will join their male counterparts in the country's draft lottery for the first time, a significant shift influenced by ongoing security threats, particularly Russia's actions in Ukraine. This legislative change, ratified by Denmark's parliament in June, aligns with NATO's increased defense spending and aims to enhance collective military strength. Colonel Kenneth Strøm, who oversees the conscription program, noted that integrating women into the conscription system is a strategic move to bolster Denmark's military capabilities.

Currently, Denmark maintains a professional military force of about 9,000 personnel out of a population of 9 million. The revised conscription rules anticipate a rise in yearly military service commitments, increasing from 4,700 in 2024 to approximately 6,500 by 2033. Traditionally, Danish law mandates military service for physically fit men over 18, with places in the program historically filled through a lottery that did not include women until now. Notably, only about 25% of military service volunteers in 2024 are expected to be women. Current volunteer Anne Sofie expressed that while some women may feel disappointed or surprised by their selection for military service, others may find the experience more positive than they expect.

In light of the escalating conflict in Ukraine, Denmark is set to increase its defense budget significantly, with projections indicating that 3% of its GDP will be allocated for defense this year. Experts, like researcher Rikke Haugegaard from the Royal Danish Defense College, point to the pressing security challenges in Europe, particularly the conflicts in the Baltic region, as critical motivators for Denmark's initiative to enhance its military readiness and overall defense posture.