The Danish government is moving to broaden compulsory military service to include women, a policy shift aimed at strengthening national defense. The plan is set to alter the structure of service and the way conscripts are integrated into Denmark’s armed forces, reflecting a broader strategy to modernize the country’s defense posture.
In parallel with this expansion, officials propose lengthening the service period to 11 months. At present, conscripts are required to serve four months. The proposed extension would align with a longer training cycle and a more comprehensive period of capacity building for new recruits.
Officials indicate an uptick in the overall number of conscripts as part of the reform. Current statistics show around 4,700 citizens under compulsory service, and government leaders expect this figure to rise to at least 5,000 as the changes take effect. The increase would bolster manpower for the Danish Armed Forces and provide broader exposure to national defense duties for a larger segment of the population.
Additionally, the leadership has signaled a rise in defense spending for the year ahead. The allocations earmarked for defense are intended to support modernization, readiness, and long-term resilience, with expenditures currently projected to reach a meaningful share of the country’s gross domestic product.
Troels Lund Poulsen, the head of the defense ministry, outlined the anticipated timeline for the legal changes. If the legislation passes, the new conscription framework would come into force in 2026, establishing a fresh baseline for service across the population and aligning Denmark’s mobilization framework with evolving regional security requirements.
Earlier discussions in Denmark touched on delays in pilot training for Ukrainian service members, illustrating how international partnerships and capacity-building efforts intersect with national defense planning. The ongoing dialogue underscores the country’s broader commitment to security contributions in international contexts while strengthening domestic defense readiness.