The Danish government has announced a plan to strengthen national defense, increase military spending and expand compulsory military service by recruiting women, reports La Razon.

Previously, women in Denmark had the opportunity to serve voluntarily in the army. However, the new plan calls for making it mandatory for both sexes, with the aim of hiring around 5,000 young people annually, the authorities said.

Military service, which previously lasted four months, will now be extended to eleven months. The first five months will consist of a general course, followed by six months when participants will join a unit of the Armed Forces.

The plan also calls for a significant increase in military spending. In the next five years, an increase of more than 40 billion euros is expected, aimed at strengthening national defense, especially in the context of the situation in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that a wider involvement of women in the armed forces will contribute to a more modern and diverse defense.

The importance of strengthening defense capabilities was also emphasized, with particular emphasis on the acquisition of air defense systems and the strengthening of anti-submarine capabilities.

The reforms proposed by the Danish executive are subject to approval and are expected to enter into force in 2026, Rador Radio Romania cites.