Overview

• On July 1, women over 18 have become subject to Denmark’s universal draft, joining male peers in mandatory service.
• All 18-year-olds will undergo a “Day of Defense” evaluation with medical, psychotechnical and motivation tests before conscript selection by lottery.
• The government plans to increase the compulsory service term from four to eleven months in 2026 to strengthen military readiness.
• Annual conscript training is set to rise to 6,500 by 2033, representing a 40 percent increase over current levels.
• Critics warn the expansion risks over-militarizing youth, while Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen contends it is needed to counter a growing Russian threat.