The Nasams system has been ruled out. However, Luxembourg is not giving up on protecting itself against threats from the air. It has chosen to set its sights further afield. The Luxembourg Ministry of Defence has confirmed to Paperjam that it is “considering the acquisition of two long-range air defence systems capable of dealing with ballistic threats, known as ‘theatre’ threats”. Negotiations are currently underway with potential institutional and industrial partners. No specific model or supplier has yet been identified.
This response clarifies a report published on Wednesday by L’Écho. In an article on the industrial benefits of Belgian military procurement, the daily newspaper wrote: “It would appear that, contrary to what was initially suggested, Luxembourg will not be joining the Nasams system alongside Belgium.”
“That premise needs to be qualified,” reply the Luxembourg authorities. A joint procurement with Belgium, possibly organised within a Benelux framework, was indeed one of the scenarios considered during the project’s preparation. However, this option was not selected, as Luxembourg does not intend to acquire this type of system.
The NASAMS is a medium-range air defence system. Belgium has decided to purchase ten batteries as part of a multi-layered defence system valued at 3.1 billion euros. The programme also includes twenty Skyranger 30 systems, fourteen Ground Master 200 radars and 54 command vehicles.
A choice “dictated” by Nato
Luxembourg is moving towards another layer of defence: long-range defence and defence against ballistic missiles. The authorities have not yet specified which systems might meet these requirements, nor with which countries their acquisition and operation would be organised. Nor have they indicated whether the two systems will be installed on national territory, entrusted to a multinational unit or deployed as part of an allied arrangement.
This decision meets Nato’s capability requirements. The Alliance’s integrated air and missile defence policy covers a spectrum ranging from small drones to cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Nato believes that multi-layered protection requires a combination of short-, medium- and long-range systems capable of complementing one another. The policy published by Nato provides for national assets to be deployed under a common command and control structure.
“Luxembourg’s future air defence capability will contribute to Nato’s integrated air and missile defence system,” confirms the Luxembourg Ministry of Defence. It also assures that current cooperation will not cease with the abandonment of the Nasams option: “Our cooperation on air surveillance and defence within the Benelux framework will remain in place and will be strengthened as part of this major project by the Luxembourg Ministry of Defence.”
The dossier has already reached the Chamber of Deputies, although its contents have not been made public. On 4 February 2026, the Defence Committee held a closed-door meeting on “integrated air and missile defence”, at the request of the Piraten. The agenda published by the Chamber provides no details on the options under consideration or the sums involved.
Discussions with partners
However, the cost will be a key issue in the forthcoming debate. Luxembourg’s defence budget stands at 1.3 billion euros in 2026 and is set to rise further to meet the commitments made within Nato. In May, the Defence Minister, 
The process has not yet reached this stage. The Ministry of Defence first wishes to conclude its discussions with potential partners and manufacturers. It will then draw up a draft bill, which will set out the system selected, its cost, its timetable and the exact nature of the international cooperation.
The shift in scale is already a fait accompli. Luxembourg is no longer simply seeking to join Belgium in purchasing medium-range equipment. It is preparing two long-range missile defence capabilities intended to form part of Nato’s integrated defence shield. The question now is with which partners and at what cost.
