Military

Federal Army: Ministry of Defense is investing again in Vienna

guest Author 19. February 2024 11:00

The Council of Ministers decided to hand over the military part of the "Meidlinger Barracks", also known as the Heckenast-Burian command building. As part of the efficient site use and development planned by the Federal Ministry of Defense in the area of the Vienna site, four hectares of the barracks, which are no longer needed for military purposes, are to be sold to Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH (BIG). The employees of the Federal Army were informed of this plan in advance and will move to new locations at the end of 2024. "With the proceeds from our barracks, we want to modernize other locations in Vienna. Our goal 'Mission Forward' will thus be consistently pursued and other construction projects of the Federal Army will be realized. New buildings and large-scale modernizations have now been possible in Vienna for more than ten years. Because only with well-equipped infrastructure can we create the basis for a more modern and operational Federal Army," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. "With Federal Minister Tanner, the renewal of military properties in Vienna is gaining momentum for the first time in ten years. For example, we opened the new road for military facilities together with the Minister of Defense this year. Our Austrian Federal Army in Vienna is being modernized and this is an important step for our soldiers and employees," says the Viennese military commander, Brigadier Kurt Wagner. A total of 47,7 million euros, which will be made available as a result of this measure, will be used in future infrastructure planning as part of the "Reconstruction Plan 2032" and for the modernization of Austrian Federal Army properties. Among other things, the existing areas in Vienna, such as the accommodation buildings of the Maria Theresa Barracks, the modernization of the Army Hospital in the Van Swieten Barracks and the new building

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Medevac equipment: Hungary takes delivery of first Embraer C-390

Amely Mizzi 14. February 2024 14:36

The Hungarian Air Force has officially taken delivery of its first Embraer C-390 "Millenium". A test flight was previously carried out in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil. The new arrival is a first, as it is the first unit in the world to be equipped with an intensive care unit. Hungary also intends to use this aircraft as a so-called medevac machine. Embraer is delighted with Hungary's decision to buy this type of aircraft.

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Austria: Federal Army trains in the high mountains

guest Author 14. February 2024 05:04

From February 12 to 23, 2024, the Austrian Air Force will conduct the winter high mountain landing course from the Fiala-Fernbrugg air base in Aigen im Ennstal. The high mountain landing training takes place in the federal states of Carinthia, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria and Tyrol. The training content includes learning and practicing take-offs and landings with helicopters, even at high altitudes, as well as flights under difficult conditions. "This training is a central and indispensable part of maintaining the operational readiness of our air force. With the first participation of our new AW169 helicopter, another milestone has been reached within this project," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. It is essential to get to know the performance parameters and flight characteristics of the respective helicopter types at high altitudes, to really feel the physical and psychological stresses of high mountain flying and to apply the appropriate countermeasures to maintain flight safety. Since natural disasters or accidents know no borders, flights are also carried out in the terrain of national parks. Detailed knowledge of the geographical and topographical conditions in the high mountains is essential for military transport operations. Training these training objectives without operational pressure is essential for the air force in order to be able to meet all the requirements in the event of an operation day and night. Up to 14 air force helicopters will be used in the winter high mountain landing course. The new AW169 "Lion" helicopter will be in use for the first time. Up to four helicopters of this type will take part. They have been in regular operation in Austria since the beginning of 2024 and are now being used in general training. The focus of this new helicopter's participation in the high mountain landing course is on testing the snow skids and flying real performance parameters and the

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Greece could sell old Mirage 2000 to India

Amely Mizzi 9. February 2024 06:38

The Greek Ministry of Defense wants to sell the Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000s that were taken out of service in 2022. The 18 aircraft were purchased in the 1980s and replaced by Dassault Rafale. Since then, the old fighter jets have been parked and waiting for better times. Now it is becoming apparent that India could buy the aircraft. According to the agency "Kathimerini", initial negotiations are already underway between the defense ministries of Greece and India. Not all of the jets could take off again with the armed forces of the subcontinent, as many of the Greek aircraft are already considered non-airworthy. According to reports, however, this will only play a minor role for India, as the non-airworthy Mirage 2000s would be used as spare parts for its existing fleet. The Indian Air Force currently has 44 Mirage 2000 H/I. It is currently still completely unclear whether a deal will be reached between Greece and India. For legal reasons, the consent of the country of manufacture must be obtained before any sale can take place. In this specific case, this is Greece's NATO partner France, from whom the replacements for the old fighter jets that are currently for sale are also being sourced.

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Klaudia Tanner: “AW169 is a successful model”

guest Author 25 January 2024 08:35

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner informed the Fiala-Fernbrugg Air Base in Aigen im Ennstal about the current status of the operational capability of the AW169 Leonardo helicopters. The commander and air force experts commented on the development plan, the modernization of the local infrastructure and the introductory phase of the AW169. "The AW169 is a symbol of the fact that our air force is being modernized. Because our vision in the Austrian Armed Forces is 'Forward'. We want to make our Austrian Armed Forces more modern and more operational and thus effectively meet the future challenges of the 21st century," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. This requires investments that have been neglected for years and in many cases decades. Tanner continued: "I am pleased that the 'Leonardo in the Austrian Armed Forces' project is progressing so quickly, safely and in a mission-related manner. Starting from procurement, through to introduction and the current start of operations, this project is a model of success and a role model for further procurements such as the future C-390 transport aircraft. This shows once again how capable and flexible our experts in the air force are." First training of pilots and experts completed At the end of 2023, the training of the AW169 introduction team with ten military pilots on the AW169 B was completed. The new helicopters have already successfully completed over 850 flight hours as part of the system introduction. An AW169 completed its thousandth flight hour during the information event. Ready for relief missions The new AW169s can already provide assistance in assistance missions, for example in disaster control, and take over the tasks of the old "Alouette" III. These can be missions for the transport of people or troops, winch operation or the transport of external loads of up to 1.000

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WEF Davos: Federal Army secured the airspace in western Austria

guest Author 23 January 2024 10:05

From January 12 to 19, 2024, the Austrian Armed Forces increased security in Austrian airspace for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. For this purpose, a restricted flight zone was established over parts of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. Due to Davos' geographical location close to the border with Austria, Switzerland requested that the Austrian Air Force secure Austrian airspace for the duration of the World Economic Forum. More than 1.000 soldiers and 24 aircraft, twelve fixed-wing aircraft and twelve 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 190 flight hours in 350 missions. "The high level of professionalism of our deployed soldiers and civilian employees guaranteed the success of this airspace security operation. Smooth cooperation across national borders is becoming increasingly important and is of essential importance, especially in airspace surveillance and airspace security,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. During the airspace security operation, six airspace violations occurred by slow-flying aircraft. The pilots had disregarded the restricted flight zone. A total of 299 civil flight permits were issued and monitored in this area. Of these, 174 were by authorized aircraft such as helicopters from the Ministry of the Interior or the ÖAMTC. As part of the airspace security operation, the “Cross-border airspace surveillance” treaty with Switzerland was also fully applied. It enables the seamless tracking of suspicious civil aircraft into the neighboring territory without interfering with national sovereignty. The use of weapons in the territory of the other state is expressly prohibited, however. The necessary procedures were carried out with Swiss aircraft in Austrian airspace.

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Republic of China is modernizing aging Mirage 2000-5 jets

Jan Gruber 12 January 2024 07:32

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of China has decided to invest around 340 million US dollars in the Mirage 2000-5 fighter jet fleet. In particular, spare parts for the engines and armament will be purchased in order to be able to maintain combat readiness. The orders, with a total value of the equivalent of 340 million US dollars, were awarded to the companies Safran and MBDA. Deliveries are to take place between mid-January 2024 and the end of 2028. The work is to take place at the military airport in Hsinchu, which is located on the island of Taiwan. The Mirage 2000-5, among others, are stationed at the airport mentioned. The Republic of China (Taiwan) has recently felt threatened by the People's Republic of China, which does not recognize the island state but merely regards it as a "renegade province". The Ministry of Defense is therefore now investing more in armaments. There are fears that one day there could be an attack by the army of the People's Republic of China. The Mirage fighter jets that are now to be modernized were purchased in France in the 1990s. There are currently 54 operational units. Although these are considered to be old, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of China is of the opinion that, given the current situation, their services cannot be dispensed with. It is also pointed out that there are repeated provocations in the form of air and sea space violations by the armed forces of the People's Republic of China. The differences between the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China have been going on for a very long time. Originally, the Republic of China was the state that also included the mainland. The island of Taiwan was under Chinese control until the end of the Second World War.

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Federal Army expands Black Hawk maintenance capacity

guest Author 9 January 2024 13:06

On Monday, January 8, 2024, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner started the new year with the expansion of Fliegerwerft 1 in Langenlebarn. A workshop and storage building as well as a maintenance and paint box are being built for 15 million euros. After completion of the work in summer 2025, Fliegerwerft 1 will be in a position to optimally maintain and service the Federal Army's "Black Hawk" fleet, which will be expanded to twelve machines by 2025. "The new year cannot start better than with a groundbreaking ceremony! From the beginning of my term in office, it was my goal to build the Federal Army into a strong, modern and efficient army in order to be prepared for current and future threats. And we will pursue this goal with all our strength in order to further advance our 'Mission Forward'. We must improve the equipment of soldiers, protected mobility, weapons and equipment and invest in air and drone defense. But the procurement of equipment alone is not enough; the necessary and appropriate infrastructure must also be in place. With this expansion for our 'Black Hawks' we are now taking the next step in our 'Austrian Armed Forces Development Plan 2032+'," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. As three more medium-sized S-70 "Black Hawk" transport helicopters arrive, the infrastructure of this aircraft system will be adapted to the requirements of contemporary, modern operations and additional space will be created. The future workshop and storage building will be around 1.400 m² and the maintenance and painting box around 1.000 m². The roofs will be greened. The Armed Forces are investing around 15 million euros in this, including planning and all

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Austria: Intermediate status of the rearmament of the Federal Army

Amely Mizzi 3 January 2024 06:38

The national defense budget as the basis for the "Austrian Armed Forces Development Plan 2032+". "The National Defense Financing Act provides the basis for a longer-term financing perspective for the Armed Forces, extending beyond the federal financial framework. This enabled us to make significant progress in the implementation or initiation of necessary measures in the 'Austrian Armed Forces Development Plan 2032+' in many military areas last year," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. Personnel The procurement of state-of-the-art new weapons systems, such as "Sky Shield" or helicopters, as well as performance-related pay, combined with social benefits adapted to the standards of the 21st century, are intended to be an incentive for young people to choose a career as a soldier. Intensive recruitment efforts began last year with the "Mission Forward". Domestic missions As part of the security police operation "Migration" and the guarding of critical infrastructure in Vienna, the Federal Army provided 336.700 (370.640) man-days, apprehended around 22.350 (60.000) foreigners seeking help and around 70 people smugglers (100). (The figures in brackets refer to 2022.) Of particular note is the extension of the guarding of critical infrastructure in Vienna, currently with around 150 people, until the end of February 2024. Foreign missions There are currently almost 900 soldiers on 15 missions abroad, 31 of whom are women. The largest contingents are in Kosovo (KFOR 304), Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR 301) and Lebanon (UNIFIL 226). A special feature was the deployment of crisis support teams to the Middle East, mainly members of the Fighter Command, to support the evacuation operation of Austrian citizens. Air Force The Air Force flew over 14.000 flight hours without any accidents. Two airspace security operations (World Economic Forum in Davos and visit of the Israeli President) were the highlights of the aviation

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Federal Army with numerous new acquisitions

guest Author 27 December 2023 06:22

The increase in the budget made it possible to modernize the Federal Army in 2023. The Federal Army has purchased 449 vehicles this year: two MAN Lion's Coach large buses, 40 VW flatbeds, 25 VW ID.4s, 80 VW Golf 7 Variants and 302 Mitsubishi L200s. The Federal Army also purchased ten armored Pandur Evolution vehicles. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: "Austria's security is the most important thing. In order for us to be able to offer this security, our soldiers must be equipped with modern equipment. I am pleased that we had the opportunity to modernize the Federal Army in 2023." In addition, 89 sled trailers including flat racks and swap bodies, four medium-sized HX 42M recovery vehicles with trailers, 25 6×6 dump truck recovery vehicles with trailers and three fire-fighting containers were purchased. The Federal Army also invested in the equipment of its soldiers: 40.800 M2000 NBC protective masks, 1.600 3D night vision goggles, an initial delivery of 35.000 of the Neu shoe system, 24 soldiers' radios, 4.000 StG77 A1 MOD assault rifles, tranche 5 of camouflage suits and the provision of hunting equipment to professional hunters were purchased. Other purchases made by the Federal Army in 2023 included a precision approach radar, a panoramic radar system and the ERFOS 2 detection and tracking system. The ICT equipment was also increased with 6.000 notebooks and 200 property servers. One of the largest investments in 2023 is the AW169 helicopter. In December of last year, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner signed the option to purchase a total of 36 helicopters, which will be delivered by 2028. A total of five new helicopters have already landed with the Austrian Armed Forces.

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More articles from the category

Federal Army: Ministry of Defense is investing again in Vienna

Medevac equipment: Hungary takes delivery of first Embraer C-390

Austria: Federal Army trains in the high mountains

Greece could sell old Mirage 2000 to India

Klaudia Tanner: “AW169 is a successful model”

WEF Davos: Federal Army secured the airspace in western Austria

Republic of China is modernizing aging Mirage 2000-5 jets

Federal Army expands Black Hawk maintenance capacity

Austria: Intermediate status of the rearmament of the Federal Army

Federal Army with numerous new acquisitions

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