Denmark is establishing a new mobilization force composed of thousands of former conscripts, who will be ready to rejoin the Armed Forces in the event of a crisis or war. This initiative was announced by Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen in a video speech on Constitution Day.

The announcement of the new mobilization force was one of three key updates shared by the Minister of Defence.

The government is also set to decide next week on the acquisition of ground-based air defense systems, which are expected to be operational by 2026. Furthermore, the new 11-month conscription period is being accelerated, with the first group commencing in February 2026 instead of August 2026.

Poulsen emphasized the urgency of these measures in light of the current geopolitical landscape, stating, “When there is a rush for air defense, new conscription and the construction of a new mobilization force, it is because we again have war in Europe, and because the world we know is changing rapidly.”

The concept of a mobilization force was previously outlined in the Defence Agreement from April 2024. The agreement highlighted the importance of recalling conscripts within a five-year timeframe as a crucial tool. An analysis was initiated to explore options for recalling conscripts into units with available equipment, a clear organization, and the ability to support operational readiness. The extended conscription is projected to involve up to 7,500 conscripts annually across the Armed Forces and the Emergency Management Agency, a significant increase from the current 5,000.