Chairman of the NATO Military Committee visits founding member Luxembourg

  • 28 Jan. 2020 -
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  • Last updated: 30 Jan. 2020 16:30

On 28th January 2020, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Air chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach visited Luxembourg where he met with the Chief of Defence, General Alain Duschène and Deputy Minister of Defence, Henri Kox. The Chairman toured the Army Barracks and a static display of military equipment.

The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach was greeted by the Chief of Defence, General Alain Duschène at the Army Barracks (Caserne Grand-Duc Jean). After saluting the Luxembourg Honorary Guard, the Chairman and the Chief of Defence were joined by Deputy Minister of Defence, Henri Kox. “As a NATO Founding Nation, Luxembourg demonstrates its commitment to collective defence. You contribute to security in Kosovo and Afghanistan through NATO’s missions. You contribute politically, militarily and financially to the Alliance. You have invested in high-tech military capabilities, which benefit our Alliance, such as satellite communications. You also host NATO's Support and Procurement Agency, the biggest single NATO Agency that provides logistical support to NATO armed forces and NATO commands across the Alliance. These efforts help keep NATO strong”, underlined the Chairman.

Talking to General Duschène, the Chairman welcomed Luxembourg’s pledge to increase its defence spending in a sustainable way. “Investing more is an important part of our defence, it means NATO will be better prepared if and when the need arises. Let me also commend you on the inclusiveness of your Army which is open to all European citizens living for more than 3 years in Luxembourg. This is really security for all your citizens by all your citizens. There is no better demonstration of collective defence”, concluded Air Chief Marshal Peach.

The Chairman also met with Director for Defence, Tom Koeller and the Commander of the Grand-Duc Jean Barracks, Colonel Kalmes. The barracks have housed the Luxembourg Army since 1955 and underwent extensive modernisation in 2012 and 2014. At full capacity the barracks can house up to 1.000 soldiers. The NATO military delegation was also able to examine some of the major equipment displayed at the barracks.