Military

More articles from the category

Military

Bundesheer trains helicopter missions in western Austria

Together with the German Bundeswehr, soldiers from the Hinterstoisser Air Base in Zeltweg are practicing helicopter missions in western Austria this week and next week. As part of this high mountain landing course, not only are external landings in high alpine terrain being practiced, but also evacuation flights and search and rescue flights. "I am proud of the achievements of our air forces. Helicopter missions in the high mountains demand everything from both man and machine. Our pilots in particular perform this top flying performance almost every day, most recently just a few days ago when blasting avalanches in Upper Styria," said Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP). Around 15 helicopters from Austria and one from Germany are being used. The alpine area of ​​​​operation is mainly limited to western Austria. Factors such as avalanche danger and animal and environmental protection are taken into account, and for these reasons there are designated landing and training sites. As part of the flight operations, there are also night flights until around 22 p.m. The first night flight is planned for today (February 00) and the next one next week - weather permitting, either on Tuesday or Thursday. Since the air base in Aigen im Ennstal is currently unavailable due to renovation work for the new Leonardo AW14.02 "Lion" helicopter, take-offs and landings will take place in Zeltweg.

Continue reading "

Oberpfaffenhofen: Re-delivery of a Dornier Do-228

In February 2021, it was announced that the Thai Navy's first two Dornier Do228s had arrived in Oberpfaffenhofen in an Antonov 124 to be modernized by General Atomics (formerly known as RUAG). The fleet of seven units will be upgraded to the Do228NG standard; the entire order is worth over 40 million euros. On February 12, 2023, MAviO News crossed paths with one of the first modernized examples, which was delivered via Larnaca.

Continue reading "

US Air Force orders 15 more KC-46A Pegasus

The US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has secured an order from the US Air Force for 15 KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft. The value at list prices is around 2,3 billion US dollars. The US armed forces' KC-46A fleet currently consists of 68 aircraft. Boeing still has 60 aircraft to deliver from previous orders. Taking the latest order into account, the order volume has risen to 75 units. "The combat-ready KC-46A is changing the role of the tanker aircraft for the 21st century," said James Burgess, Vice President and KC-46 Program Manager. “We are proud to work side-by-side with the Air Force to ensure the Pegasus delivers unmatched capabilities and continues to evolve for the global mission requirements of the U.S. and its allies.” The KC-46A Pegasus delivers critical fuel and data to the fleet, as well as cargo, personnel and medical supplies for rapid force mobility, global reach and flexible combat operations. Last year, the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command approved the KC-46A for worldwide operations, including combat missions. The Pegasus continues to demonstrate its flexible combat mission capabilities, recently completing a 42-hour long-range flight in support of a U.S. Air Force Bomber Task Force mission in the Indo-Pacific region. In 2022, KC-46A aircraft deployed in a series of U.S. Air Force global deployment exercises in the European region, Indo-Pacific region and the Middle East have achieved greater than 95% operational capability, demonstrating the aircraft’s reliability and combat readiness.

Continue reading "

Austrian Army successfully completes “Daedalus 23”

Between January 16 and 20, 2023, the Austrian Armed Forces increased airspace controls due to the World Economic Forum, which was held in Davos (Switzerland). A restricted flight zone was set up over parts of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. More than 1.000 soldiers and 20 aircraft, eleven fixed-wing aircraft and nine helicopters ensured the security of the event. The tasks included patrol flights for surveillance, flights to identify airspace violations and transport flights. The pilots completed 119 flight hours in 202 missions. Due to Davos' geographical location close to the border with Austria, Switzerland made a request in advance that the Austrian Air Force secure Austrian airspace for the duration of the World Economic Forum. "I would like to thank all the soldiers and civilian employees deployed for their excellent performance during 'Dädalus23'. The very professional cooperation with our Swiss and German neighbors testifies to the high performance and competence of all participants," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.

Continue reading "

Daedalus: Federal army monitors western Austrian airspace more

The airspace in western Austria has been monitored more closely by the Federal Army since Monday. The background to this is that the World Economic Forum, which is attended by around 50 heads of state and government and around 2.700 delegates, is taking place in Switzerland. Traditionally, the Swiss Confederation and Austria work together in security areas during this event. Under the operation name "Dädalus", the Federal Army is monitoring the airspace in western Austria more closely. For example, additional aircraft, helicopters and mobile radar systems are being deployed in the federal states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Additional air patrolling is also being carried out. According to the responsible commander, this is intended to ensure security in Austria and Switzerland. The WEF, which is taking place in Davos, lasts until January 21, 2023. For this reason, a restricted flight zone has also been imposed over the federal state of Tyrol. According to official information, the Federal Army is deploying around 1.000 soldiers, nine helicopters, 20 aircraft and eleven planes. The aircraft will be used primarily from Innsbruck and Landeck. Four Pilatus PC-7s and three PC-6s will be used from the first-mentioned airport. Four Bell OH-58 helicopters will be kept on standby from Landeck. Eurofighters will be used from Zeltweg if necessary. Austria and Switzerland signed a new agreement some time ago that includes extensive cooperation in the area of ​​airspace security against non-military threats. This came into force on February 1, 2019. They had already worked closely together during the annual WEF. Suspicious aircraft may be tracked across borders, but the use of weapons in the other's territory is prohibited without prior approval.

Continue reading "

Avalanche: Federal army with eight helicopters in Lech / Zürs in action

From around 15 p.m. on Sunday, the Austrian Federal Army was on duty with eight helicopters to assist with an avalanche in the Lech/Zürs (Arlberg) ski area. Around 00 emergency personnel helped to find and care for buried people. On Sunday evening, the state of Vorarlberg requested assistance from the Vorarlberg military command because nine people were still suspected to be buried. Fortunately, the police announced during the night from Sunday to Monday that four people had been injured, but that the other six people had not been caught in the avalanche. On Monday, the avalanche rescue unit of the 200rd Infantry Battalion from Bludesch and Landeck moved to the Lech/Zürs operational area with 23 soldiers to support the safety search. The search operation ended in the afternoon. “Specially trained alpine soldiers are on standby throughout Austria during the winter months. The current avalanche in Vorarlberg shows how necessary this readiness and the deployment of our Federal Army is in order to be able to provide rapid assistance in an emergency. I would like to thank all soldiers, especially those from the 90rd Infantry Battalion, who provided support on site and who are standing side by side with civilian emergency services during these challenging missions to prevent the worst from happening - for the safety and assistance of the population," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. The Austrian Federal Army has up to 23 alpine soldiers, mountain experts and four Federal Army helicopters ready for avalanche operations. These forces, specially equipped and trained for the high mountains, are available for avalanche operations until at least the end of April - if they are called upon for an assistance mission. With a total of 400 avalanche operations teams and groups

Continue reading "

Armed Forces: First AW169 stationed in Langenlebarn

The Austrian Federal Army has taken delivery of the first Leonardo AW169 multi-purpose helicopter and stationed it at the Brumowski Air Base in Langenlebarn. The formal handover took place on Wednesday in the presence of Lower Austria's governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (both ÖVP). The new arrivals ordered from Italy are to gradually replace the aging Alluette IIIs. From Mikl-Leitner's point of view, the government would "invest a lot of money in the modernization of the Federal Army." At the same time, she stressed that this would also secure jobs. She also cited the planned construction of a new barracks in Mistelbach as an example. "When the most important representatives of Austrian and Italian defense policy as well as the military meet here today, then there is a very historic moment to celebrate in the truest sense of the word. Today, the first helicopter is being handed over, ushering in a new era for the army, for our air force, for the Lower Austrian military base and the 700 employees here in Langenlebarn," said Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner is convinced that the right helicopter has been chosen with the AW169. She announced that the purchase option for "36 much-needed multi-purpose helicopters" had been exercised. "We want to make our army more modern and more operational and thus effectively meet the future challenges of the 21st century," said Tanner, who also admitted that investments in the military have been lacking for many years. This cooperation was manifested with the signing of the "Declaration of Intent" by the two defense ministers and the signing of the contract adjustment for

Continue reading "

Germany has officially ordered F35 fighter jets

The German Ministry of Defense has officially announced the order for 35 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets. The impending order was already more or less known. The German Bundestag still had to formally give the necessary approval. The agreement with the manufacturer includes a comprehensive package of engines, role-specific mission equipment, spare and exchange parts, technical and logistical support, training and armament. As a cornerstone for interoperability with NATO, the F-35 is the only fifth-generation fighter aircraft available today to strengthen Germany's operational capability with its allies. Connectivity is becoming increasingly important as the battlefield is constantly evolving, and the F-35 is positioned to play a critical role in this change and contribute to 21st century security missions. To date, the F-35 is deployed at 26 bases worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. Today, more than 875 F-35s are in service, and more than 1.845 pilots and 13.350 maintenance personnel are trained on the aircraft. "It is an honor to officially welcome Germany to the F-35 Lightning II program. Germany's participation ensures that the European F-35 Alliance continues to be strengthened and grows through interoperability with NATO and allied nations," said Bridget Lauderdale, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin. "The F-35 is the most advanced, survivable and affordable fighter aircraft, giving pilots the decisive advantage against any adversary, enabling them to complete their mission and return home safely.

Continue reading "

Chinese military pilots trained: US charges ex-navy pilots

In the United States of America, a former naval pilot accused of training Chinese military pilots is being tried. The proceedings were initiated in 2017, but he was not arrested until October 2022. The reason for the long delay is that his whereabouts were unclear. The man is said to have become a citizen of Australia and was arrested there on the basis of an international arrest warrant. The pilot is accused of violating US gun control law, US media reports. The indictment states that the man is alleged to have trained Chinese military pilots through a South African flight school in 2010 and 2012. The pilot - who worked with South African and British "co-conspirators" - is charged with four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to illegally export defense services to China, conspiracy to launder money and violation of arms export controls, Reuters reports. In addition, a North American T-2 Buckeye training aircraft manufactured in the USA was illegally acquired for training purposes by providing false information in order to obtain an export license. At present, however, it is still unclear whether Australia will extradite the man to the United States of America or not. The local judiciary is currently investigating the case, which is why the responsible Attorney General's Office did not want to comment, citing the ongoing proceedings.

Continue reading "

Russia is to deliver 24 Sukhoi Su-35s to Iran

Iran is to receive around 24 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. Military pilots from the largely isolated state are currently training in the Russian Federation to prepare for the handover and transfer. The aircraft that are now to be delivered to Iran's armed forces were originally ordered by Egypt in 2018. However, the African country canceled the order, but according to Russian media, the 24 fighter jets are said to have already been built or largely completed. According to information from NBC News, the training of Iranian pilots on the Sukhoi Su-35 has been underway since spring 2022. In the course of the war against Ukraine instigated by Russia, it also became known that Iran had supplied numerous drones to the Russian Federation army. The cooperation between the two states is viewed critically by Western governments. Among other things, there are fears that Iran could massively rearm. There is no reliable information about the exact terms of the agreement between the Russian Federation and Iran. However, it is suspected that no money will be paid for the delivery of the fighter jets, but that payment could instead be made in the form of other military equipment. The acquisition of the 24 Su-35 fighter jets would massively rejuvenate Iran's aging air force.

Continue reading "