Luxembourg Announces €2.6 Billion Defense Spending with Acquisition of 59 Wheeled Armored Vehicles.

On May 8, 2024, the government of Luxembourg announced a historic €2.6 billion investment, the largest in its history, to modernize its armed forces. Defense Minister Yuriko Backes, alongside Army Chief of Staff General Steve Thull, unveiled the new defense bill that will see the acquisition of a fleet of advanced armored vehicles including French-made Griffon, Jaguar and Serval vehicles.
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Luxembourg plans to acquire 16 Griffon multi-role armored vehicles, 38 Jaguar armored reconnaissance and combat vehicles, and 5 Serval light multi-role armored vehicles over the next 30 years. (Picture source Army Recognition)

This new investment will provide the Luxembourg  army with 16 Griffon multi-role armored vehicles, 38 Jaguar armored reconnaissance and combat vehicles, and 5 Serval light multi-role armored vehicles over the next 30 years. This fleet will enhance the Luxembourgish army's operational capabilities and ensure interoperability with NATO and European Union forces, particularly those of Belgium and France.

Minister Backes emphasized the necessity of the investment, stating it was crucial for Luxembourg to remain a reliable partner within international defense frameworks. The acquisition includes sophisticated weapon, protection, and communication subsystems, tailored to the army's operational needs.

This upgrade is not only about enhancing military strength but also aligning with the Luxembourgish army’s existing assets, like the CLRV vehicles acquired in 2022. The full integration of these new vehicles with existing systems is expected by 2025, aligning with the French Scorpion program to ensure enhanced operational synergy.

The Luxembourgish government's commitment to strengthening its military through this substantial investment marks a pivotal step in its defense strategy, securing its position as a formidable and technologically advanced military force in Europe.

The Luxembourg Army, consisting of approximately 900 soldiers, operates with a focus on flexibility and interoperability within international frameworks. The army's maneuver capabilities are concentrated in its reconnaissance forces, which include two reconnaissance companies. One of these companies contributes to the Eurocorps and a Belgian division, while the other is part of a NATO pool of deployable forces, indicating Luxembourg's active participation in multinational defense collaborations.

Currently, the Luxembourg Army is equipped with 48 Dingo 2 4x4 armored vehicles, showcasing its capacity for protected mobility and reconnaissance tasks. The army's anti-tank capabilities are supported by MANPATS NLAW and TOW missile systems, providing it with potent anti-armor and anti-infrastructure capabilities. Additionally, Luxembourg maintains an artillery component equipped with six 81mm mortars, enhancing its indirect fire support capabilities.

Luxembourg's decision to invest €2.6 billion in military upgrades marks a significant enhancement of its combat capabilities, aligning with a notable increase in its defense spending. From 2021 to 2022, Luxembourg's defense budget saw a substantial rise of 40.01%, increasing to $0.56 billion. This uptick in spending underscores a strategic shift towards strengthening the country's military framework.

This major financial commitment is aimed at procuring advanced armored vehicles and upgrading existing military equipment, thus boosting Luxembourg's operational and strategic defense capabilities. Specifically, the acquisition of new multi-role armored vehicles, reconnaissance and combat vehicles, and light armored vehicles, equipped with modern weapon systems and interoperable communication tools, will significantly augment Luxembourg's defensive and offensive capabilities on various fronts.

Such an investment not only enhances the army's effectiveness in conventional defense roles but also increases its contributions to NATO and EU operations, ensuring Luxembourg remains a reliable and capable ally. The focus on advanced technology and interoperability with other European forces further positions Luxembourg to respond more robustly in joint operations and peacekeeping missions.

Overall, this increase in Luxembourg's defense budget and the targeted investment in military capabilities are indicative of a broader strategy to bolster national security and fulfill its commitments within international defense frameworks.