Luxembourg could enhance its resilience by reintroducing mandatory military service, suggested General Steve Thull, Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army, during an appearance on RTL Radio’s guest programme.

While he acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with politicians, Thull underscored its potential benefits in preparing the nation for any future challenges.

“Compulsory military service is a political matter, but from a military perspective, it’s natural to consider it when observing developments in other countries,” Thull explained. He argued that such a programme would not only bolster the nation’s defence capabilities but also foster a more resilient population capable of responding to crises.

Luxembourg ended mandatory military service in 1967, but the subject was back on the table after Defence Minister Yuriko Backes said that a discussion on conscription "cannot be avoided". The minister underlined, however, that there are no immediate plans to implement conscription; current efforts are focused on recruitment.

General Thull pointed to Sweden and Finland’s recent initiatives, such as distributing crisis preparedness booklets to their citizens, as examples of proactive measures. These booklets contain practical advice on managing life without essential services like water and electricity—not just in times of war but during any major disruption.

When asked how resilient Luxembourgers currently are, Thull said it would be interesting to explore through a survey. “The further west you go, the more distant the concept of war seems, but we must never consider it impossible,” he cautioned.

RTL

Steve Thull / © RTL

Lessons from the Ukraine war

Thull highlighted the ongoing war in Ukraine as a stark reminder of the importance of preparation. While there is no immediate threat to Luxembourg, the conflict on Europe’s periphery has created a tense atmosphere.

“The use of Western-supplied long-range missiles by Ukraine reflects a race against time,” he said, referencing concerns about potential shifts in US policy under Donald Trump’s presidency. “It’s crucial to strengthen Ukraine now, preventing further losses and ensuring that attacks on democracies do not succeed.”

Thull also explained the technical distinction between Western and Russian long-range missiles, noting that Ukraine’s ATACMS missiles have a range of 300 kilometres, while Russia’s missiles can strike thousands of kilometres away.

Boots on the ground

Turning to Luxembourg’s military investments, Thull defended the €2.6 billion earmarked for armoured vehicles over the next 30 years. Critics have questioned this focus in light of advancements in AI, drones, and automated weapons.

“You can’t take over a country with drones alone,” Thull said. “While modern technologies are critical, ground forces equipped with tanks and armoured vehicles remain essential for holding territory. Drones provide indispensable support, but robust weapons systems on the ground are irreplaceable.”