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Greece will introduce voluntary conscription for women in the armed forces starting in 2026, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced on Thursday. The program will begin with the formation of an initial unit comprising 100 to 150 female recruits.
Minister Dendias described the initiative as a significant step toward greater integration of women in national defence.
“We are launching the voluntary conscription of women in 2026. We will establish a unit of 100 to 150 volunteers to further enhance the bond between women and the armed forces,” he stated.
Currently, women constitute approximately 17% of the Hellenic Armed Forces, a figure the minister noted aligns with the global average for female military participation. He emphasised the need to develop both the necessary infrastructure and an inclusive culture within the armed forces to enable women to serve alongside men effectively.
Although women have been permitted to serve in the Greek Armed Forces since 1998, this initiative represents the first structured pathway specifically for voluntary female conscription. The programme will initially operate on a voluntary basis, with plans to expand supporting facilities and foster a cultural shift to accommodate greater female participation.
Additional information on eligibility requirements, training protocols and plans for long-term integration is expected to be announced in the coming months.
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