Luxembourg Army Launches Major Recruitment Drive for 2026 Amidst Modernization Efforts

Ambitious Recruitment Goals for 2026

The Luxembourg Army is preparing for a major recruitment drive in 2026, seeking to attract a substantial number of new recruits, both women and men. This push is a direct response to a challenging international security landscape and new capability objectives set by NATO. General Steve Thull, Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army, has emphasized the urgent need for more personnel, stating that 'the demands are enormous, and we absolutely need many motivated women and men to cope with the workload.'

The army currently comprises approximately 1,128 personnel, a figure General Thull deems insufficient given the increasing complexity and number of missions. Defence Minister Yuriko Backes has indicated that the military aims to fill up to 650 roles across a diverse range of careers, from combat soldiers to cyber and satellite experts. The overall goal is to recruit an additional 600 soldiers in the coming years, with 300 specifically designated for the new Belgian-Luxembourgish battalion.

Enhanced Incentives to Attract and Retain Talent

To make military service more appealing, the Luxembourg Government Council approved a package of measures titled 'Recruitment and Attractiveness of the Army' on December 17, 2025. These measures include significant financial incentives:

• A minimum increase of €530 gross per month for all soldiers.
• A proposed adjustment that would raise a volunteer soldier's starting gross base pay from €2,166.19 to €2,718.98, representing an increase of approximately 25%.
• An increase in the annual pay rise from 3.7 to 4 index points.
• An operational readiness bonus of €531.81 per month for all deployable volunteer soldiers.
• Increased demobilisation bonuses paid upon leaving military service.

Beyond financial incentives, the army is also implementing structural changes, such as eliminating age limits for military careers, introducing standby allowances for civilian personnel, and establishing a new career advancement framework. The initial active military phase for volunteer soldiers will also be extended from four to five years.

Focus on Diversity and Modernization

A key aspect of the recruitment drive is the emphasis on increasing the representation of women within the armed forces. Currently, women constitute approximately 12% of the total personnel. Minister Backes has stressed the importance of highlighting women's presence and affirmed that 'no place in the army is reserved for a man.' Efforts are underway to create a more inclusive organizational structure and attract more women to various roles, including combat, support, and specialized positions.

The recruitment efforts are closely linked to a broader modernization program for the Luxembourg Army. In May 2024, Luxembourg approved a historic €2.6 billion investment to upgrade its armed forces. This investment includes the acquisition of advanced combat vehicles, such as 16 Griffon, 38 Jaguar, and 5 Serval armored reconnaissance vehicles. Furthermore, Luxembourg is contributing 350 troops to a new binational Belgian-Luxembourg combat reconnaissance battalion, which is projected to be based in Arlon, Belgium, by 2030. These modernization efforts and international commitments underscore the critical need for a larger, highly motivated, and well-trained military force.