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Military

Austrian Armed Forces in assistance mission against bird flu in Biberbach

From November 8, 2024, the Austrian Federal Army will be deployed in Biberbach (Amstetten district) to contain the spread of bird flu. Soldiers from the Korneuburg NBC Defense Company are setting up disinfection locks in affected companies to disinfect vehicles that transport dead animals before they leave the company. This is intended to prevent the virus from spreading further. The operation is expected to last until Sunday. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner praised the commitment of the soldiers, who are ensuring security in Austria in this crisis situation with their quick and efficient deployment. Thousands of animals have already died or had to be killed due to the outbreak of bird flu. The soldiers of the NBC Defense Center are helping to fight the virus by disinfecting the wheel arches and underbodies of the vehicles as well as the containers in which the dead animals are transported. The ABC defense force of the Federal Army is specifically responsible for protection against nuclear, biological and chemical attacks. It is also deployed in the event of natural disasters or epidemics and supports civilian emergency services in the event of major accidents.

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Netherlands orders 12 Airbus H225M

The Netherlands has taken a step to strengthen its military capabilities: on November 5, 2024, at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris, it announced that it would order twelve Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters. This new fleet is intended to replace the aging H215M Cougar transport helicopters, which have been in service for almost three decades. The decision to go with the H225M was made back in June 2023 after a comprehensive evaluation in which the Caracal prevailed over competing models thanks to its versatility, range and proven performance. The H225M Caracal, developed by Airbus Helicopters, is a latest-generation medium multi-purpose helicopter optimized for missions such as troop transport, military support and rescue operations. With a maximum range of 1.253 kilometers and the ability to be refueled in flight, these helicopters offer remarkable flexibility for long missions. The Dutch Air Force plans to use the Caracals in the new Special Operations Squadron 300, which has been specially designed for operations in cooperation with the Korps Commandotroepen and the Maritime Special Operations Units. The aim is to further strengthen the country's military capabilities for demanding operational conditions at sea and on land. The purchase of 14 Caracal helicopters was originally planned, but the Ministry of Defence was forced to reduce the order to 2030 machines for cost reasons. This reduction was necessary in order to stay within the budget and still ensure that the helicopters are equipped according to the specific requirements of the special unit. The total delivery of the helicopters is planned for the period 2032 to XNUMX; the machines will be stationed at the Gilze-Rijen air base, where the Cougar helicopters are currently in service.

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Austrian Army: Eurofighter pilots train supersonic flights

From November 4 to 15, 2024, the Austrian Armed Forces' Eurofighter pilots will conduct intensive training flights in the supersonic range in Austria. Two supersonic flights are planned on each training day between 08:00 a.m. and 16:00 p.m. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasizes the importance of these exercises for the country's security, especially in view of the current geopolitical situation and the war in Ukraine. The training is essential for airspace surveillance and the operational readiness of the air force. The exercises are carried out under realistic conditions to simulate the stresses and challenges in the supersonic range. To minimize the noise level, the flights are carried out at high altitudes and outside of urban areas. In addition, measures have been implemented to reduce the propagation of sound, such as the short duration of the acceleration phases and the documentation of the sound distribution. The supersonic speed, which begins at around 1.200 km/h, can be perceived on the ground in the form of shock waves as a sonic boom. The noise depends on various factors such as flight altitude and weather.

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Romania: New law to prevent drone attacks in airspace

The Romanian Ministry of Defense has proposed a new law that would give the country's armed forces the authority to attack and, if necessary, destroy drones that enter Romanian airspace without authorization. This decision is a direct response to the increasing security concerns Romania has due to regional tensions, in particular Russian aggression against Ukraine. With the law, the Romanian government aims to address the growing threats posed by drones and other military aircraft and strengthen national sovereignty and security. The background to the legislative initiative The decision to pass this law is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader context that reflects geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. The security situation in the region has changed dramatically in recent years, especially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This means that Romania faces increased threats as military activities and drone operations move ever closer to the Romanian border. An example of this is the incident in September 2023, when the remains of a Russian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone were found near the Romanian border. This drone had been used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and alerted the Romanian authorities. The Romanian Minister of Defense Angel Tîlvăr expressed concern after this incident and clarified that Romania is at increased risk of such attacks due to its geographical location. Contents of the draft law The proposed law provides for a number of measures that can be taken against unauthorized intruders. This includes identifying the position and radio connection of the aircraft in question, as well as intercepting and, if necessary,

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Czech Republic strengthens air force with Embraer C-390

The Czech Ministry of Defence has significantly strengthened its air force by purchasing two modern Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-purpose transport aircraft. These aircraft are intended to raise the operational capability of the Czech armed forces to a new level and enable a wide range of missions - from troop transport and medical evacuation to humanitarian aid and aerial refueling. At the signing of the contract, Defence Minister Jana Černochová emphasised that the current crisis situations worldwide underline the need for modern military mobility, as the recent evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan have clearly shown. The purchase of the two Embraer C-390s is part of a long-term strategy by the Czech Republic to modernise its military equipment and meet the requirements of NATO standards. The aircraft will modernise the air force's long-standing fleet and could play a key role in supporting NATO operations and humanitarian missions in the future. Bosco Da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, described the order as a sign of great trust and emphasized the high appreciation for the technology and reliability that the C-390 offers its users. The machines are known for their operational capability and reliability - the C-390 aircraft already in use worldwide have completed over 15.000 flight hours with an impressive operational capability rate of 93 percent. The C-390 Millennium: technology for the most demanding missions With a maximum payload of 26 tons and a maximum speed of 870 km/h (470 knots), the C-390 is capable of carrying out not only tactical troop and material transport, but also specialized missions such as aerial refueling and medical evacuation. Thanks to

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France delivers Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to support Ukraine

As part of its ongoing military support to Ukraine, France will deliver three Mirage 2025-2000 fighter jets to the Eastern European country in the first quarter of 5. This decision follows extensive training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians currently taking place in France. The Mirage 2000-5, a state-of-the-art fighter jet model originally developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s, is designed to provide the Ukrainian Air Force with a significant strategic advantage in the current conflict. The first steps in this cooperation were already taken in September 2024, when the first group of Ukrainian pilot students successfully completed their training on fighter aircraft in France. This training includes not only flying the Mirage 2000, but also the possibility that some of the 10 cadets could potentially transition to the F-16 to expand their skills. The uncertainty about the operational capability of these pilots reflects the dynamic requirements of the military conflict, where flexibility and adaptability are crucial. Technical upgrade of the Mirage 2000-5 The Mirage 2000-5 is an air superiority variant of the Mirage 2000, which is particularly known for its high maneuverability and modern technology. The French Air Force is currently upgrading these jets at the Cazaux air base in order to maximize their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict. One of the significant modifications is the integration of SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which give the jets precise striking power. These cruise missiles are usually intended for the two-seat version of the Mirage, but also show compatibility with the single-seat Mirage 2000-9 developed for the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the Mirage 2000-5 will be equipped with MICA air-to-air missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. These armaments are

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Pegasus: First flight of the Bundeswehr's new surveillance aircraft successfully completed

The first German Airborne Forces aircraft modified for the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (Pegasus) program has completed its successful maiden flight at the Bombardier plant in Wichita, USA. The specially adapted Bombardier Global 6000 jet will be equipped with Hensoldt's Kalætron Integral electronic signals intelligence system and will be used by the German Air Force for aerial surveillance. The next steps include further testing and system integration, which will be carried out by Lufthansa Technik Defense in Hamburg. The Pegasus program marks an important step forward in the technological development of the German Air Force and demonstrates the close cooperation between Hensoldt, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier. After the tests have been completed, a total of three modified aircraft will be delivered to the German Armed Forces. The project is intended to significantly improve the reconnaissance capabilities of the German armed forces.

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Aviation and Conflict: The Crash of an Ilyushin Il-76 in North Darfur

In the early hours of October 21, 2024, a dramatic incident occurred in Malha, North Darfur, which could further aggravate the fragile situation in Sudan. An Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane was shot down by the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which immediately claimed responsibility for the incident. This crash raises questions about military operations in the region, the role of external actors such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the dangers of friendly fire. According to the RSF, the military aircraft was shot down near Malha at around 4:00 a.m. Initially, the aircraft was identified as an Antonov, but later information suggests that it was actually an Il-76 conducting operations for the RSF. This sheds new light on the intricacies of the Sudanese conflict and the potentially opaque air transport operations in the region. The aircraft, bearing the registration EX-76011, was likely owned by New Way Cargo Airlines, a Kyrgyz airline operating from Ras al-Khaimah in the UAE. Reports indicate that the aircraft was carrying cargo destined for the RSF, which is corroborated by a crew ID found at the scene. The ID indicated Airline Transport Incorporation FZC, a company with ties to Kyrgyzstan and the UAE. Additionally, a Russian passport was found, indicating that there were at least two people on board, although the Il-76 typically requires a crew of seven. The aircraft had reportedly previously taken off from Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and was en route to Amdjarass Airport in Chad. Friendly Fire

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Armaments debate between Germany and Turkey: A look at Eurofighter deliveries

The discussion about arms exports between Germany and Turkey is gaining momentum. While the German government recently adopted a restrictive stance towards arms deliveries to Turkey, current developments indicate that Berlin is ready to move away from this blockade stance. At a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) reiterated his support for increasing cooperation in the arms sector and is considering the delivery of Eurofighter fighter jets. This situation raises numerous questions, particularly with regard to the security and human rights implications. Armaments relations and Eurofighter Turkey is a long-standing NATO partner and has a strong interest in acquiring modern weapons systems to expand its military capacity. At the heart of these efforts is the aim of acquiring around 40 Eurofighters, in the production of which Germany is involved. The Chancellor has stressed that Turkey will be able to receive arms deliveries again and again due to its NATO membership, which represents a significant turning point in German foreign policy. The background to these considerations lies in the security policy interests of both countries. Turkey sees itself in an increasingly tense regional security situation, especially in relation to its neighbors and the Middle East. At the same time, Germany, as a leading NATO country, needs Turkey as a stable partner in the region, which further complicates the arms debate. Human rights and arms exports The issue of arms exports to Turkey is, however, controversial. The human rights situation in Turkey has caused international concern in recent years. Critics accuse the Turkish government of taking repressive action against political opposition and ethnic minorities. Especially after the invasion of Turkish troops

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Austrian Armed Forces celebrate 175 years of Felixdorf Shooting and Test Range

On October 17, 2024, the 175th anniversary of the Felixdorf shooting and test range was celebrated. In her speech, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized the importance of the facility for Austria's national defense. As part of the celebrations, demonstrations with the Leopard 2 battle tank, the Ulan infantry fighting vehicle and the M-109 self-propelled howitzer were shown, among other things. Abseiling exercises from a Black Hawk helicopter and the firing of flares were also part of the demonstrations. Since 1849, the shooting range has played a central role in the testing of weapons and ammunition. The site is of strategic importance to the Austrian Armed Forces and also serves as a training location for special units such as the Jagdkommando. The facility has one of the longest firing channels in Europe, which enables precise weapons tests under controlled conditions. In addition to the military, the demining service also uses the site to dispose of war relics. The shooting range is unique in Austria and makes a significant contribution to the modernization and security of the Austrian Armed Forces' equipment.

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