Overview

• From July 1, all Danish women turning 18 will enter the draft lottery on equal terms with men under a law passed in June 2023.
• The conscription period will expand from four to 11 months, comprising five months of basic training and six months of operational duty.
• Military commanders are modifying barracks, uniforms and equipment to accommodate female draftees and planning new housing capacity.
• A $7 billion Acceleration Fund is financing the extended service scheme and aims to raise annual conscripts from 4,700 in 2024 to as many as 6,500 by 2033.
• Defense leaders cite growing threats from Russian aggression and obligations to strengthen NATO deterrence as key drivers of the reform.