The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed its intent to recruit female Gurkhas into the British Army, marking a significant shift in policy. However, this move is contingent upon ongoing discussions with the Government of Nepal, as the recruitment of Gurkhas is governed by a long-standing bilateral agreement.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard emphasized that while the British Army has expressed its wish to include women in the Brigade of Gurkhas, implementation depends on Nepal’s consent. The Ministry of Defence has communicated this intention to Nepal and will continue to engage in dialogue on the matter.
Currently, all Gurkha soldiers in the British Army are men. The proposed change reflects the UK’s broader commitment to diversity and inclusion within its armed forces. If approved, this initiative would open new opportunities for Nepali women to serve in one of the most esteemed military units.
The British Army’s recruitment strategy for the Brigade of Gurkhas is managed on an annual basis, considering factors such as retirements and transfers. While there is no fixed number of recruits planned for the next five years, the inclusion of women would be a historic development in the unit’s recruitment practices.
The Royal Gurkha Rifles continue to utilize Brunei’s jungle training facilities, providing an ideal environment for specialist jungle warfare training. This training is part of the broader effort to maintain vital skills in a region of growing strategic interest.
As discussions with Nepal progress, the UK remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive military force, reflecting the evolving dynamics of modern armed services.
