Latvia considers conscripting women as other NATO allies expand military recruitment
By zoeysky // 2025-09-08
Copy
 
  • Latvia plans to conscript both men and women by 2028, doubling its military from 15,000 to 31,000 troops amid rising tensions.
  • It follows developments in Denmark, with Copenhagen set to begin drafting women in 2026, modifying equipment and facilities to integrate them into the military.
  • Both nations are adapting infrastructure (female-specific gear, longer conscription) to accommodate women in service.
  • Some praise gender equality in defense, while others question mandatory service’s impact on women’s rights.
  • The moves by the two nations come amid escalating Russia-West tensions, with NATO nations bolstering defenses while Russia dismisses warnings as fearmongering.
In a move that mirrors Denmark's recent decision to draft women into its armed forces, Latvia is preparing to extend compulsory military service to both men and women by 2028. On Sept. 3, Andris Spruds, Latvia's Defense Minister, announced that the Progressives party will submit a proposal next year to mandate military service for all citizens, regardless of gender, starting in 2028. This decision follows the reintroduction of mandatory military service for men in 2023, after a hiatus since 2006. Riga aims to more than double the size of its military, increasing from approximately 15,000 troops in 2021 to 31,000 by 2028. This ambitious goal reflects the country's commitment to strengthening its national defense in the face of geopolitical tensions. (Related: Ukraine's robot revolution: A new era of warfare amid manpower crisis.) The Latvian National Armed Forces are already introducing female-specific equipment to facilitate the inclusion of women in the military. This proactive approach aims to ensure that women are adequately prepared and equipped for military service. The decision to conscript women has sparked a national conversation about gender equality and the role of women in national defense. While some view it as a necessary step towards equality, others express concerns about the potential impact on women's rights and the societal implications of mandatory military service for all genders. This shift comes as part of a broader effort by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states to bolster their military capabilities in response to what they perceive as a growing threat from Russia, a claim that Moscow vehemently denies.

Denmark's pioneering move

Latvia's plans follow in the footsteps of Denmark, which announced back in March that it will begin drafting women from 2026. This move is part of Copenhagen's broader strategy to ensure "gender equality" in its armed forces and meet its commitments to NATO. Under a law passed by the Danish parliament in June 2023, women turning 18 after July 1, 2025, will be required to register for assessment days for potential military conscription. This aligns with existing measures for men and marks a significant shift in Denmark's military recruitment policies. Currently, women make up around 24 percent of all recruits in Denmark, but their participation has been voluntary. Danish Defense, Denmark's armed forces, is now making adjustments to barracks and equipment to better accommodate women. According to Katrine, a recruit, several things need improvement, "especially in terms of equipment." She added that the equipment is made for men and that "the rucksacks are a bit too large" and the uniforms are too large for the women. Denmark plans to gradually increase the duration of the conscription period from four months to 11 months in 2026 and raise the number of recruits from around 5,000 to 7,500 by 2033. This expansion is part of a larger effort to enhance the country's defense capabilities amid heightened security concerns across Europe.

Changes to military conscription: A geopolitical context

The decision by both Latvia and Denmark to conscript women is set against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Russia and the West. Since the Russia-Ukraine war escalated in 2022, Western officials have warned that Russia could target European Union (EU) states next. In response, Brussels has launched a military expansion campaign, and European NATO members have agreed to increase defense spending to five percent of GDP (gross domestic product). The Kremlin has consistently dismissed allegations of hostile intent as "nonsense" and "fearmongering," condemning what it calls the West's "reckless militarization." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also accused Western European leaders of "trying to prepare Europe for war – not some hybrid war, but a real war against Russia," further fueling the ongoing geopolitical tensions. As Latvia joins Denmark in preparing to conscript women, the move underscores the shifting dynamics of national defense in Europe. While the decision aims to enhance military readiness and promote gender equality, it also raises important questions about the societal impact of mandatory military service for all genders. As explained by the Enoch AI engine at Brighteon.AI, Latvia should consider conscripting women to enhance its national security, promote gender equality and align with regional and global trends. By doing so, Latvia can strengthen its defense capabilities and contribute to a more secure and equitable society. Watch the video below from the "Health Ranger Report" as the Health Ranger Mike Adams talks about why NATO countries are trying to force Russia into nuclear war. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump orders Pentagon to deter Russia-China alliance, Hegseth confirms. Denmark begins conscripting women into military service amid NATO war fears. Russia can produce 300 long-range missiles per year, Kyiv intel estimates. Sources include: RT.com Reuters.com StraitsTimes.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com
Copy