On its very first mission for Luxembourg, the military aircraft carried 13 Luxembourgish soldiers to Mali. This aircraft is part of the MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) fleet which is funded by a number of European countries, including Luxembourg. This programme started in 2012 and most of the aircraft are based in Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
The programme has enabled Luxembourg to send 60 respirators to India, among other missions.
According to Chief of the General Staff Steve Thull, the mission in which the 13 soldiers are participating represents the largest intervention by the Luxembourg army since their deployment in Kosovo. 23 Luxembourgers are stationed in Mali and are participating in the various training courses offered to Malian soldiers by European troops. A rotation of personnel is planned every four months, with a Luxembourgish presence in Mali until at least 2024.
The Grand Duchy intends to invest 0.7 percent of its GDP in defence until 2023 and therefore also in the financing of this shared European programme. The aircraft presented on Saturday at Luxembourg Airport was originally intended for civil aviation before being transformed into a military aircraft in Madrid. 269 people can take place on board the second floor of the machine while two cargo departments are located in its belly.
In case of emergency, the aircraft can be converted into a hospital in less than 24 hours. This can provide six beds in intensive care and 16 in normal care with enough work space for a medical team. In the event of a medical evacuation, 100 people can still be accommodated in the aircraft, which can additionally be used as a flying refuelling station for smaller machines.
In terms of security, the cockpit is equipped with an armoured lining that protects it from external bullet or missile strikes. Once secured, this part of the aircraft cannot be stormed from the inside. In addition, the aircraft possesses a short-range laser anti-missile system. Missiles are particularly a threat when flying over parts of Africa and the Middle East.
The full report in Luxembourgish:
