Denmark to Mobilize 180,000 Troops if War Breaks Out

Denmark is preparing for the possible mobilization of 180,000 military personnel in the event of a major war.

Danish broadcaster DR reported on this and reviewed documents on the country’s new defense policy.

According to the documents, the mobilization reserve will consist of fully trained conscripts after they complete 11 months of service in the Danish Armed Forces.

The military plans to enlist up to 13,000 people each year, and the reserve will include both men and women up to the age of 65.

To maintain readiness, the Danish Armed Forces will also conduct 10-day refresher training courses for former service members for up to ten years after they complete their service.

Denmark has already used a similar model during the Cold War, when it prepared for a possible large-scale conflict between NATO and the Soviet Union.

By 2030, Denmark’s defense will require around 6,500 conscripts annually. The potential recruitment base will include 64,518 citizens aged 18, of whom 31,634 are women, and 32,884 are men.

Under these parameters, the country will enlist about one in ten individuals from the relevant age group, creating the basis for a steady replenishment of a trained reserve.

By 2033, the need will rise to 10,000 conscripts per year. The estimated number of 18-year-olds will be 61,573, including 29,956 women and 31,617 men.

Under this plan, the army would draft one in every six young people, significantly increasing the mobilization burden on youth and strengthening the role of mandatory military service.

By 2035, the military recommends increasing the annual draft to 13,000 people. This would cover nearly one in five of the 65,483 citizens aged 18 (31,763 women and 33,720 men), turning conscription into a key tool for preparing the population for potential crises.

By 2040, Denmark is expected to have 40,000 active-duty soldiers, supplemented as needed by its mobilization reserve.

Militarnyi previously reported that, starting in 2026, Denmark will begin drafting women for compulsory military service, while men will continue to be selected by lottery to address potential volunteer shortages.