A new law that came into force this week has been described as a “historic legal change” by the Danish Armed Forces, as women are now subject to military conscription for the first time in the country’s history.
The change means that any Danish citizen who turned 18 after June 30th 2025 – male or female – will be required to attend Forsvarets Dag (Defence Day) to assess their eligibility for mandatory military service, the Defence Forces confirmed in a statement this week.
“As of today, July 1st 2025, we must get used to the idea that every able-bodied citizen – not just men – is required to contribute to the defence of the nation,” the military said.
The measure is part of a broader defence agreement reached by a parliamentary majority in June 2023. Danish Chief of Defence General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard welcomed the change, saying it will boost the country’s combat capacity.
“When we open the gates to both women and men on exactly the same terms, we make use of all of Denmark’s talent,” he said.
“It gives us greater combat strength – and it sends a clear message that the Armed Forces are a modern community where everyone can contribute to the defence of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
As part of the wider reforms, the conscription period will be lengthened from 2026 onward. While basic training currently lasts four months, the new conscription term will last 11 months in total — comprised of five months of expanded training, followed by six months of operational service in one of Denmark’s military branches.
Operational placements will include the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command.
The change will not apply retroactively. Women who turn 18 before July 1st 2025 are not required to attend Defence Day and are not subject to conscription, although they retain the right to volunteer.
According to the Armed Forces, summons for Forsvarets Dag will be issued via e-Boks – Denmark’s official digital postal system – and administered by the Ministry of Defence’s Personnel Command.
Recently Denmark has also moved to grow its armed forces by loosening military eligibility requirements in a variety of ways.
As part of this process, certain health conditions – including diabetes and asthma – no longer automatically disqualify applicants from service. Instead, candidates are assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the role.
Mandatory service durations have also been extended, and more individuals are conscripted at once.
The expansion of conscription comes amid ongoing efforts across Europe to strengthen national defences, in particular in response to concerns over fears of a broader conflict with Russia.