In an international context marked by geopolitical instability requiring increased European investment in Defence, the Chamber of Commerce and companies in the Defence sector have decided to create LuxDefence A.s.b.l., the national association of Defence companies. This creation follows the Lux4Defence initiative, which was praised by the Prime Minister during his State of the Nation address on May 13, 2025. The Vice-Prime Minister Xavier Bettel announced the creation of the association at the Paris Air Show (Le Bourget, France) on Monday, May 16. This new entity aims to structure and represent an emerging industrial ecosystem, as Luxembourg committed to dedicating 2% of its GNI to Defence.
It had become imperative for national companies to establish a framework for coordination, collaboration, and representation. With this in mind, Luxembourg companies already involved in Defence, security, or dual-use technologies have joined forces within LuxDefence. Created as a non-profit association, this new structure aims to become a leading player at both national and European levels.
This decision is a direct result of the Lux4Defence initiative, launched by the Chamber of Commerce and presented to the government in late March 2025, particularly addressing one of the strategic report’s key recommendations: enabling Defence companies to federate and strengthen their coordination, visibility, and ability to participate in large-scale European projects.
« In a shifting strategic environment, where European Defence cooperation is growing and the need for sovereign technologies is booming, the creation of LuxDefence reflects a shared will among all its members : to contribute to the structuring of a Defence ecosystem in Luxembourg that is aligned with its technological capabilities and has ambitions to contribute at the European level », said André Wilmes the first President of LuxDefence.
A Strategic Sector in Development
« Although the Defence sector in Luxembourg is still young, it already relies on recognised technological expertise and represents significant economic potential. Issues of technological sovereignty and industrial resilience have become crucial at the European level. With its agile and innovative positioning, Luxembourg has a role to play in building a competitive Defence industrial and technological base», said Carlo Thelen, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and Secretary of LuxDefence.
Until now, collective action capabilities, skills pooling, and company representation before national and international institutions were insufficient due to the lack of a formal coordination structure. LuxDefence has been officially established to meet this need. The association aims to become the government’s trusted partner — a strategic tool to maximise the economic return on the country’s Defence investment.
It was Vice-Prime Minister Xavier Bettel who officially announced the creation of the association at the Paris Air Show.
A Clear Mission Serving Businesses and the General Interest
LuxDefence sets six primary missions:
Represent and coordinate its members’ interests with national, European, and international authorities.
Be a source of proposals and a constructive partner for the government.
Foster collaboration and innovation among companies through events, workshops, and joint projects.
Support economic development by facilitating access to strategic tenders and market opportunities.
Promote Luxembourg know-how, increase the visibility of member companies, and raise awareness of Defence-related issues.
Ensure technological and strategic monitoring by contributing to discussions on the future of the national Defence industrial and technological base.
LuxDefence may also partner with international entities to firmly integrate Luxembourg companies into major European and transatlantic Defence value chains.
LuxDefence invites all Luxembourg companies active or interested in the Defence and security fields to join this new unifying framework.
LuxDefence Board of Directors:
President: André Wilmes (Rafinex)
Vice-President: Robert Schaus (PrestaCylinders)
Secretary: Carlo Thelen (Chamber of Commerce)
Treasurer: Patrick Biewer (LuxGovSat)
Board Member: Frank Thomé (Ceratizit)
