Luxembourg has opted not to participate in NATO's upcoming Steadfast Defender manoeuvre, set to mobilise around 90,000 troops in spring 2024.

The decision, as explained by a spokesperson for the Luxembourg Army to our colleagues from RTL.lu, is part of a strategic evaluation undertaken well in advance.

Army spokeswoman Carole Arendt clarified that such military exercises, including Steadfast Defender, are planned three to four years ahead. During this planning phase, decisions are made based on the specific nature of the exercise and the capabilities required.

The Luxembourg Army made the decision not to partake in the 2024 Steadfast Defender manoeuvre. However, Arendt affirmed the nation's commitment to future exercises, indicating Luxembourg's participation in the next Steadfast Defender scheduled for 2027.

Emphasising Luxembourg's ongoing engagement in NATO efforts, Arendt highlighted the current deployment of Luxembourg Army units as part of the Forward Land Forces, a multinational NATO battalion stationed in Romania and Lithuania. These deployments aim to defend the eastern flank and deter potential aggression.

"Proportionally speaking, the Luxembourg Army is already heavily involved in NATO's collective effort," Arendt stated. She pointed out that Luxembourg is participating in more exercises than in previous years.

Steadfast Defender, touted as the most extensive NATO manoeuvre since the end of the Cold War, is meant to showcase the alliance's rapid deployment capabilities for defending the North American and Euro-Atlantic region.