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Forest fires: Austrian Federal Army on assistance mission

guest Author April 3, 2024 08:30

The Austrian Armed Forces have been on an assistance mission in Styria since Tuesday, April 2, 2024. After forest fires broke out in the towns of Großreifling and Hinterwildalpen, four army helicopters are now helping the local fire brigade to fight the fire. The Austrian Armed Forces are supporting the civilian emergency services with an Agusta Bell 212 transport helicopter in the town of Großreifling and two Agusta Bell 212s and an S-70 "Black Hawk" multi-purpose helicopter in Hinterwildalpen. "The Austrian Armed Forces are always ready when they are needed. Our trained pilots, together with the civilian emergency services on site, are helping to fight the flames as quickly as possible. I wish our soldiers good luck and all the emergency services much success in their mission," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. Helicopters in use The S-70 "Black Hawk" is a multi-purpose helicopter with two engines, each producing 1.940 hp. This engine gives the helicopter excellent high-altitude capability. The S-70 can make the most of this ability when used in mountainous areas. In order not to have to stay on the ground in bad weather conditions (winter conditions), this model also has a de-icing system for the rotor blades and the tail rotor. The helicopter has a cruising speed of 280 km/h, a range of 500 kilometers and the external load for firefighting water is a maximum of 4.000 kilograms. The Agusta Bell 212 is a medium transport helicopter, has a two-blade main and tail rotor, two turbine engines, a skid landing gear, is instrument flight capable and approved for a total of 14 people. The equipment with a cable winch (quickly mounted) and external load hook enables versatile use. The helicopter has a cruising speed of 162 km/h, a range of

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Federal Army: One year of “voluntary basic military service” for women

guest Author April 2, 2024 16:35

The "voluntary basic military service" model for women was launched around a year ago. The aim of the project was to give women low-threshold access to the Federal Army. There are currently 755 female soldiers on active duty. 257 women have registered for "voluntary basic military service"; 143 of these women have already been called up. 137 have already been called up and 100 of these are currently active. "One of our department's goals is to increase the proportion of women and especially female soldiers in the Austrian Federal Army. And we have succeeded! With the introduction of voluntary basic military service, we have been able to increase the proportion of female soldiers to five percent, which is the highest level since 1998. This measure not only strengthens the staffing levels of our department, but also shows that our innovative projects are having an impact. We will continue on our path to integrate even more women into the ministry and increase the proportion of female soldiers in the Federal Army," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. Since April 1, 2023, the "voluntary basic military service" has enabled women to get to know the Federal Army without any further obligation and to decide on a career as a soldier within a period of six months. Previously, female soldiers could only enter a cadre career as an officer or non-commissioned officer directly by taking their own aptitude test. They first had to complete an aptitude test and then the cadre candidate training. The "voluntary basic military service for women" project gives them the opportunity to decide over a period of six months whether they are mentally and physically willing to take up a career as a soldier. The profession of soldier is made more attractive for women through ongoing measures such as Girls' Day, female soldier mentoring and childcare options.

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Armed Forces: High interest in places for military medicine students

guest Author March 29, 2024 14:35

The Austrian Armed Forces offer up to ten people the opportunity to study at the Medical University of Vienna during their service each year. The requirements for military medical students include military cadre suitability and participation in the regular Medical Entrance Test (MedAT). They must be among the best 25 percent of applicants. After training as a general practitioner or other specialist, employees are required to serve in the Austrian Armed Forces for eight to eleven years. The admissions process for studying medicine is currently underway - 50 interested parties have already registered for the "Austrian Armed Forces" model. The admissions process for military medical studies is taking place for the third time this year, with 16 military medical students currently in training. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: "The need for military doctors at home and abroad is very high. In order to guarantee medical care, we launched the model two years ago in cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna. This means that up to ten students can begin studying medicine each academic year. With this measure, we can secure important jobs for doctors in the Federal Army in the long term and it is showing initial success! I am very pleased that we have a lot of interest in this and wish all applicants all the best and much success in this year's entrance exam." To take part in the entrance exam for the medical degree, basic military training is required, followed by a two-month preparatory course. 40 people can take part in the preparatory course. Priority is given to soldiers from the medical sector. To gain one of the ten study places, participants must be among the top 25 percent.

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Military: Greek F-16 fighter jet crashed

Amely Mizzi March 22, 2024 15:33

During a training flight, an F-16 fighter jet belonging to the Greek armed forces crashed near the island of Psathoura. The pilot survived and was subsequently rescued with the help of a Super Puma helicopter. The cause of the crash is currently still completely unclear. Investigations have already begun. In any case, the pilot survived and was taken to hospital for further examination and treatment after his rescue. A helicopter, a frigate and the civilian coast guard are said to have been involved in the rescue operation.

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The armed forces have adopted a new communications system

guest Author March 19, 2024 06:31

The handover of the new “Tactical Communication Network” (TCN) communications system took place on Monday, March 18, 2024. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner handed over the new system to the Command Support School in the presence of Major General Harald Vodosek and Major General Hermann Kaponig. The communications system creates essential prerequisites for digitization. In addition, the successor to the Pinzgauer communications vehicle, the IVECO Multirole Utility Vehicle (MUV) “Noriker,” was presented for the first time. 185 of these in different variations are to be handed over by 2025. The first 55 are already with the troops. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “Communication and digitization are two essential factors that we must pay close attention to. This makes it all the more important to invest in an excellent system with military robustness. I am delighted that with the handover of the new communication system 'Tactical Communication Network' we have created further conditions for digitalization and thus for a modern Austrian army. And with the new IVECO MUV 'Noriker' vehicle we have found a unique replacement for our Pinzgauer. That is a quantum leap for our Austrian army!" The "Tactical Communication Network" is a new deployable communication system. The system meets the requirements of modern data and voice communication based on military robustness. It forms a digital command network that provides information and commands without delay and offers an up-to-date picture of the situation. 388 sets were procured for the transmission elements. These are installed in swap bodies, shelters and containers and used in operating, transport and storage boxes. Successor to the Pinzgauer presented In addition to the TCN, the successor to the telecommunications Pinzgauer, the IVECO Multirole Utility Vehicle (MUV) "Noriker" was presented for the first time.

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Austrian Federal Army deployed in Cyprus since 1964

guest Author March 12, 2024 09:02

Austria has been participating in the "United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus" (UNFICYP) with a contingent since April 14, 1964, after the UN Security Council gave the then UN Secretary General U Thant the mandate to set up a UN peacekeeping force of over 1964 men in March 6.300. At that time, Austria provided a field hospital with a strength of 55 people. Defense Minister Tanner: "From the very beginning, Austrian soldiers made an important contribution to maintaining peace in Cyprus. At one point, with a deployment strength of over 300 'peacekeepers', we were also one of the largest troop contributors. The climatic conditions posed a major challenge in operational leadership. Above all, however, the tensions between the parties to the conflict required the highest level of diplomacy from our soldiers. As an honorary member of the Association of Austrian "Peacekeepers," I have a particularly close relationship with our soldiers deployed abroad. I am therefore particularly pleased to be able to congratulate you all on this important anniversary.” In 1972, when the Irish contingent on Cyprus was reduced, the Austrian contingent grew to battalion strength, around 300 soldiers. Tensions on the island reached their peak in 1974, with the fall of the Cypriot President Archbishop Makarios. At that time, parts of the Austrian UN battalion were involved in the fighting around Nicosia Airport. On August 14, three Austrian “peacekeepers” fell victim to a Turkish air raid near Goshi. In total, 16 Austrian soldiers were killed or died during their deployment on the Mediterranean island. Around 17.000 Austrian “peacekeepers” were deployed on Cyprus. With the withdrawal of the Austrian UN battalion

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Austria: Federal Army trains flight maneuvers

guest Author March 5, 2024 06:32

From March 4, 2024 to March 22, 2024, the "Helicopter Tactics Course" will see S-70 "Black Hawk", Agusta Bell 212 and OH-58 "Kiowa" transport helicopters as well as fixed-wing aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-6 "Turbo Porter", Pilatus PC-7 "Turbo Trainer" and DA-40 fly on weekdays, except Saturdays, between 09:00 a.m. and 20:00 p.m. There will be no flying at night. The aim is to teach the crews tactical flying at different altitudes - including low-level flight - and at different speeds under as many threat situations as possible. Take-offs and landings will take place at the Brumowski air base in Langenlebarn (Lower Austria), Vogler in Hörsching (Upper Austria) and Hinterstoisser in Zeltweg (St. Johann in Tirol). Any landings outside military properties are generally approved or registered and the landowners are informed of this. "The cooperation of helicopters is an extremely demanding task that requires careful preparation and regular training. The 'Helicopter Tactics Course' enables the air force to practice various complex scenarios and master the necessary procedures for operations. In view of the current security situation in Europe, it is clear how important it is to train military procedures and thus prepare for possible emergencies," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. Training area: Upper Austria and Lower Austria In Upper Austria, flights will take place primarily in the districts of Freistadt, Eferding, Linz Land, Rohrbach, Urfahr Umgebung, Grieskirchen, Perg, Steyr Land, Wels Land, Gmunden and in Lower Austria primarily in the districts of Waidhofen/Thaya, Horn, St. Pölten City and Country, Amstetten, Zwettl, Gmünd, Melk, Krems, Tulln, Hollabrunn, Mistelbach, Korneuburg and Mödling. The use of blank, marker, flare and signal ammunition is planned. In some cases, orange or green signal smoke is used to mark helicopter landing sites outside of barracks. Whether domestically or

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Austria takes part in European Union Naval Force Aspides

guest Author February 29, 2024 09:33

Austria will be participating with two officers in the maritime EU mission in the Red Sea, "European Union Naval Force Aspides". The experts will contribute their know-how in the areas of logistics and information and communication technology to the mission's operational headquarters in Larissa, Greece. Austrian participation can be increased to up to five people if necessary. "Current developments in and around Europe show that Europe's international security and defense policy is facing major challenges. These can only be met jointly. I therefore see Austria's contribution to the 'Aspides' protection operation as particularly important when it comes to representing the vital interests of Europe - and thus Austria - in the European alliance and actively protecting the security of important trade routes to Europe. The Austrian Armed Forces can also contribute its decades of experience in crisis management to this international protection mission. I wish our mission officers the best of luck and thank them for their contribution to Europe's security," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.

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Federal Army with 345 new non-commissioned officers

guest Author February 27, 2024 05:07

On Friday, February 23, 2024, the military ceremony to take over the newly retired sergeants took place in Enns. 345 young non-commissioned officers, including 18 women, have thus completed their 18-month training. The ceremony for the professional and militia soldiers took place in the presence of Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, Member of Parliament Christian Dörfel, representing the Governor of Upper Austria, and Chief of General Staff General Rudolf Striedinger on the main square in Enns. After the one-and-a-half-year training, the retired sergeants will assume responsibility for the troops as group commanders on missions at home and abroad and in the training of Federal Army recruits. "I would like to warmly congratulate the soldiers on achieving the rank of 'Sergeant', which they will hold from today. The members of the non-commissioned officer corps are the backbone of the army and play a crucial role in daily service during training, exercises and especially in national and international missions of the Austrian Armed Forces. With this promotion, they assume significant responsibility for their unit and serve as role models for future generations of soldiers. From now on, they have the opportunity to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and leadership skills. I wish them the best of luck, success and satisfaction in their new position," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. 270 professional soldiers (17 women) and 75 militia soldiers (one woman) passed the final exams of the non-commissioned officer training. The graduation took place in Enns on Thursday. 80 of the professional and militia soldiers (including three women) come from Lower Austria, followed by Styria with 70 participants (including four women), followed by Upper Austria and Vienna with 38 men and one woman each.

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Austria: Federal Army receives 225 new wheeled tanks

guest Author February 21, 2024 12:36

The Federal Ministry of Defense is taking a further step in the area of ​​investments: Today, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner signed a corresponding contract for 225 new "Pandur Evolution" wheeled armoured vehicles in the presence of Chancellor Karl Nehammer. With the conclusion of the contract, the Pandur fleet will be expanded to a total of 12 different variants. The investment volume amounts to around 1,8 billion euros. More than 200 Austrian companies are involved in the production of the vehicles. "Today is a good day for Austria's security. Austria is purchasing 225 new Pandurs. We are investing in national defense and thus in the security of our country. A defensive democracy requires a reliable federal army in line with our neutrality," said Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the press conference. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner added: "The procurement of an additional 225 'Pandur Evolution' in various variants is the largest procurement by the Austrian Armed Forces' land forces in 20 years. With the investment volume of 1,8 billion euros, we are not only investing in Austria's security, but also in Austria as a business location. In doing so, we are securing and creating jobs at more than 220 companies. With national Pandur production, the added value in Austria is 70 percent." In addition to the delivery of state-of-the-art armored personnel carriers and flexible conversion kits for medical, command and anti-tank missions, the order provides for eight additional vehicle variants that will be newly introduced into the Austrian army. The "Pandur Evolution" vehicle family will be supplemented by the 120 mm mortar combat system, mobile air defense and electronic warfare variants. The procurement is being carried out as part of the "Reconstruction Plan 2032+", with which the Austrian armed forces are to be comprehensively modernized. The follow-on procurement will cover the medium-sized

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