André Wilmes, LuxDefence President and Rafinex CEO; Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

On Monday 24 November 2025, the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce hosted the official launch event of LuxDefence, a newly created association bringing together Luxembourg companies active in the defence, security, technology and dual-use sectors.

The event brought together around 250 participants, including government representatives, economic and industrial leaders, defence specialists and the founding members of LuxDefence. Among those present were Luxembourg’s Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes, and the Head of the European Commission Representation in Luxembourg, Anne Calteux.

Carlo Thelen, CEO of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and Secretary of LuxDefence, delivered the opening address, noting the significant shift in Europe’s security environment in recent years and emphasising the growing importance of national and European defence capabilities. He underlined Luxembourg’s increased defence commitments, the economic opportunities linked to the sector and the role of LuxDefence as a new platform bringing together national expertise and industry. 

“War has once again returned to European soil, reminding us that neither peace nor security can ever be taken for granted. […] Our country has the skills, the technologies and the talent to play an active role in collective security, provided we unite our strengths and fully harness our expertise,” stated Carlo Thelen.

Luxembourg’s Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes, highlighted the rapid growth of the country’s defence-related industrial ecosystem and stressed the importance of integrating national companies into European and international value chains. She noted that Luxembourg now counts more than 110 companies active in defence-relevant technologies, triple the number of just a few years ago, and emphasised the role LuxDefence will play in providing a unified voice for the sector.

Minister Backes stated: “Our goal is to identify which companies have technologies with defence potential and help them integrate into international value chains through national and European defence R&D projects.” She also underlined Luxembourg’s increased commitments within NATO, adding: “By stepping up investment into our defence, we are defending our democracies. Democracies don’t defend themselves - we have to defend them.”

LuxDefence President and Rafinex CEO, André Wilmes, recalled that the association was created as a direct continuation of the “Lux for Defence” strategic report published earlier this year by the Chamber of Commerce, noting that the initiative emerged from a growing need to structure and unify Luxembourg’s defence-related industrial ecosystem. He emphasised the role of early contributors and institutional partners in laying the foundations for the new organisation and highlighted LuxDefence’s mission to support collaboration, innovation and international engagement.

“LuxDefence did not arise out of thin air, it is the continuation of the Lux for Defence report and the work of many pioneer advocates who helped build this ecosystem. […] We are here to build, not to theorise. The time for talking is over, it is time to get to work,” said André Wilmes.

The keynote speech was delivered by Bertrand Boyard, Special Advisor to the President of Arqus, who outlined several European defence-industry models and explained how factors such as state involvement, procurement traditions and innovation structures shape national approaches. He emphasised that understanding these differences is essential for Luxembourg as it develops its role within Europe’s wider defence landscape.

A panel discussion then brought together Frank Thomé (LuxDefence Board Member), Hélène Massard (Deputy Director, Directorate of Defence) and Sam Staincliffe (Co-Founder & CEO of Uplift360), with Robert Schaus, Vice-President of LuxDefence, moderating the exchange; the participants addressed Luxembourg’s emerging defence-technology ecosystem, the importance of European cooperation and the opportunities for national companies to integrate into international value chains.

Closing remarks were delivered by André Wilmes, President of LuxDefence, before the event concluded with a networking reception.