Latvia’s defense minister has unveiled plans to include women in mandatory military service by 2028, joining a broader push among NATO allies to strengthen defenses amid escalating regional tensions. Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced the proposal during an interview, stating that his party, the Progressives, will introduce legislation next year requiring both genders to serve in the armed forces. The move comes as Riga seeks to expand its military footprint, with female-specific gear already being integrated into the National Armed Forces.
Currently, Latvia’s conscription policy only applies to men, a system reinstated in 2023 after a decade-long pause following its 2006 abolition. The government aims to nearly double the military’s size, growing from approximately 15,000 troops in 2021 to 31,000 by 2028. This aligns with Denmark’s recent decision to draft women starting in 2026, which officials cited as a step toward gender parity and meeting NATO obligations.
Western leaders have framed the military buildup as a response to perceived threats from Russia, despite Moscow’s repeated denials of hostile intent. The Kremlin has dismissed such claims as “baseless fearmongering,” accusing the West of reckless militarization. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently accused European nations of preparing for an “actual war” against Russia, labeling the EU’s actions as a resurgence of “Russophobia.”
The shift in Latvia’s defense strategy reflects broader NATO efforts to bolster readiness, with member states pledging to allocate 5% of GDP to military spending. However, critics argue that such measures risk escalating tensions rather than ensuring stability.
