Denmark expands military draft to women for first time

Denmark's parliament has approved extending its compulsory conscription to women starting July 1, placing them on equal footing with men in the national draft lottery.

Until now, only male citizens were subject to mandatory service, whereas women could join voluntarily.

The reform brings forward plans originally set for 2027, due to security concerns amid Russian aggression and NATO defense commitments.

Under the new policy, all women turning 18 after June 30 will enter the draft pool of the lottery system alongside men.

Denmark plans to increase its annual number of conscripts from 4,700 to 6,500 by 2033.

Service duration is also being extended from four to eleven months.