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Czech Republic: Procurement of the Embraer C-390 Millennium is expected to significantly expand military capacities

Amely Mizzi 7 October 2024 06:37

The Czech Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed the purchase of two Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, a significant step towards modernising and strengthening the Czech Air Force. With an investment of EUR 446 million, the military will gain new capacities in air transport, firefighting, evacuation and aerial refuelling to meet increasing security and crisis management requirements. Defence Minister Jana Černochová stressed that the deteriorating global security situation has increased the need for solid and versatile transport capacities. The first aircraft is expected to be operational as early as next year. Modernisation of the Czech Air Force The C-390 Millennium, developed by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, will complement the Czech Army's current smaller transport aircraft, such as the CASA C295M and Let L-410 turbojets. These aircraft have so far covered smaller and medium-sized transport requirements, while the new C-390 aircraft transport larger loads and offer a greater range. The lack of sufficient transport capacity was particularly noticeable in the event of a crisis, as the recent evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan have shown. With a cargo capacity of up to 26 tons and the ability to take off and land on unpaved airfields, the C-390 aircraft are specially designed to operate in crisis situations where flexibility and speed are required. They can therefore bring heavy equipment or humanitarian aid to remote regions. Versatile applications of the C-390 Millennium The procurement of the Embraer C-390 Millennium goes far beyond mere transport. The aircraft are versatile and equipped with special modules for different areas of application. This includes the ability to refuel other aircraft in the air, which makes the

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Austrian Armed Forces focus on species-appropriate husbandry of their animals

Amely Mizzi 4 October 2024 05:04

On the occasion of International Animal Protection Day on October 4th, the Austrian Armed Forces are highlighting the importance of animal protection for their 227 animals, including horses, donkeys, military dogs and even bees. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner stresses the army's high level of responsibility for the species-appropriate care, training and veterinary care of the animals. These four-legged friends play a central role in operations, particularly in difficult terrain conditions and in supporting soldiers. The Hochfilzen pack animal center currently houses 58 horses and donkeys that support the army in operations in the low and high mountains. The Kaisersteinbruch military dog ​​center has 161 service dogs in use and training, including Rottweilers, German shepherds and Labradors. In addition, soldiers in some barracks look after honey bees, which also make an important contribution to environmental protection.

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Intensification of cooperation between the Federal Army and mountain rescue in Austria

Amely Mizzi September 25, 2024 21:49

On September 24, 2024, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and the Vice President of the Federal Association of the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service, Michael Miggitsch, signed a letter of intent to intensify cooperation between the Federal Army and the mountain rescue service. The aim of the agreement is to increase the efficiency of both organizations in crisis and disaster situations, especially in the event of major weather-related events in alpine terrain. According to Tanner, the cooperation is intended to ensure that help can be provided faster and better in challenging situations. The agreement includes various measures, including regular joint exercises, the exchange of specialist knowledge, mutual support during operations, and the training of mountain rescue members as part of basic military service. In addition, cooperation will be expanded in areas such as drone technology and search dog training. The mountain rescue service, which operates as an aid organization in difficult terrain, recorded a total of 2023 missions in 9.658. The cooperation with the Austrian Federal Army represents a further step towards optimising disaster protection in Austria and utilising the synergies of both organisations.

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Boeing restructures military and space business

Amely Mizzi September 25, 2024 08:02

Boeing is forced to take action due to significant financial losses in its military and space business. After repeated problems with the Starliner spacecraft and difficulties with armaments projects, new CEO Kelly Ortberg has replaced division head Ted Colbert. Steve Parker, previously responsible for operations, will take over as acting head. The Starliner had serious technical problems on its first manned flight, including engine malfunctions and helium leaks, which led NASA to return the capsule to Earth without astronauts. Astronaut Suni Williams and astronaut Barry Wilmore will now remain on the International Space Station ISS until February while they wait to be brought back by the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. In addition, Boeing is struggling with high cost overruns in the conversion of two 747 jumbo jets for the US President and the KC-46 tanker aircraft. In the last quarter, the military and space division reported an operating loss of around one billion dollars. The problems are further exacerbated by a strike by Boeing's largest union, which represents 33.000 workers.

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Retrofitting the Airbus A350-900: Air Force receives missile defence system

Amely Mizzi September 25, 2024 06:36

The German Air Force's air force will retrofit its three Airbus A350-900s with a missile defense system. This is reported by the news magazine "Spiegel". The federal government had originally decided not to implement this security measure for reasons of time and cost. With the retrofitting that has now been decided, the aircraft, which are often used by high-ranking politicians, will receive important protection against potential threats from incoming missiles. The A350-900s are the most modern aircraft in the Air Force and are usually used for trips by the Federal Chancellor, Federal President and Foreign Minister. These missions often take place in international crisis areas or during diplomatic visits, where the risk of attacks cannot be ignored. The decision to now equip the aircraft with a defense system follows the realization that the protection of high-ranking politicians must be the top priority. The defense system will be integrated into the Airbus aircraft in the form of a defense laser developed by the companies Elbit and Diehl Defense. This system has already proven itself in the German armed forces, particularly on the Airbus A400M. The upgrade will be carried out gradually, with each aircraft being converted individually so as not to impair operational capability. According to experts, protection against incoming missiles is an essential measure for the safety of the air force. The Air Force has repeatedly stressed in the past that modern military aircraft should have such systems in order to meet safety requirements. The decision to upgrade could also be motivated by a general increase in security concerns at the international level. The integration of a missile defense system into civil and military aircraft is a trend-setting step that has already been taken in other countries. Especially since

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ICT Security Conference 2024: Focus on specialist lectures and promoting young talent

Amely Mizzi September 23, 2024 20:13

On September 17 and 18, 2024, the Austrian Armed Forces' ICT Security Conference 2024 took place at the Congress Center Messe Wien. In cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria and Cyber ​​Security Austria, over 80 experts gave specialist lectures on current cybersecurity challenges and strategies. The event was opened by Secretary General Arnold Kammel and included keynotes by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized the importance of national and international cooperation in creating a comprehensive security ecosystem. The conference also focused on attracting qualified young talent in the IT sector. In addition, the final of the Austrian Cyber ​​Security Challenge took place, in which pupils and students competed for the title of "National Cyber ​​Security Champion". The Austrian Armed Forces play a central role in training specialists in the field of cybersecurity, supported by various awareness-raising events and a new bachelor's degree program at the Theresian Military Academy.

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Italy strengthens its defence: billions invested in F-35 fighter jets and Eurofighter

Amely Mizzi September 20, 2024 08:33

The Italian government has presented a new, ambitious defense program that includes the acquisition of 25 additional Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, valued at over $7 billion. This measure is part of a comprehensive multi-year program designed to significantly expand Italy's military capabilities, which has been submitted to the Italian Parliament for approval as part of the 2024-2026 defense budget. With this move, Italy is reinforcing its role within NATO and demonstrating that it continues to invest in advanced military technology to be prepared for global threats. Italy's increasing investment in the F-35 fleet Italy plans to purchase 15 F-35A and 10 F-35B fighter jets, which will expand the country's F-35 fleet to a total of 115 aircraft. This investment represents the third phase of Italy's F-35 program, which originally envisaged the purchase of 131 aircraft. However, due to budget cuts, the planned number was reduced to 90, consisting of 60 F-35A and 30 F-35B. The latest expansion, however, partially reverses this reduction and signals a strong commitment by Italy to modern defense technology. The F-35A is a conventional takeoff aircraft, while the F-35B has STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing) capabilities. This technology allows the F-35B to operate from shorter runways and aircraft carriers, which is particularly advantageous for naval operations and missions in rough terrain. These characteristics are invaluable when it comes to ensuring military readiness in different environments. The decision to invest in additional F-35B reflects the strategic importance of these jets for the Italian Navy, especially in the context of deployment on aircraft carriers.

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Floods in Lower Austria: Federal Army in constant operation

Amely Mizzi September 19, 2024 20:58

In recent days, Lower Austria has been hit by one of the worst floods in recent years. Streets were flooded, houses were under water, and numerous people had to be evacuated from the affected areas. In these difficult times, the strength of the Austrian community is evident, not least through the deployment of over 1.100 soldiers from the Federal Army. Supported by 140 pioneers from Salzburg and a further 100 militia soldiers from Styria, who are now moving in, the military is working intensively to repair the damage and prevent further disasters. In a statement, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized the importance of solidarity and the tireless help of the soldiers and volunteers who are facing the enormous challenges. Areas of operation: Tullnerfeld, Pielachtal and Waldviertel The regions of Tullnerfeld, Pielachtal and Waldviertel are particularly badly affected. The Federal Army's cleanup and rescue work is concentrated here. The soldiers are entrusted with a wide range of tasks, including evacuating people from endangered areas, securing dams and clearing rubble and mud. So far, three lives have been saved, including a dog that got lost in the water. Over 50 people were rescued from hard-to-reach areas using winch rescue, while countless others were brought to safety using boats. Sandbags and dams: logistics at the highest level A key element in the fight against the flood was the use of so-called "big bags" - large sandbags that were used to stabilize the dams. The soldiers have so far transported 670 of these big bags by helicopter, which have a total weight of over

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Soldiers in constant use: Floods in Lower Austria demand the Federal Army

Amely Mizzi September 17, 2024 22:27

The floods in Lower Austria have hit the region hard in recent days and presented the emergency services with immense challenges. Around 600 soldiers from the Austrian Armed Forces are currently working tirelessly to support the civilian rescue services, bring people to safety and carry out clean-up operations. A further 330 soldiers are on standby for any emergencies, and a total of up to 1.200 soldiers could be mobilized across Austria if the situation worsens. The flood disaster in Lower Austria shows once again how devastating the effects of natural forces can be and how important coordinated cooperation between civilian and military forces is. With air and ground units, the Austrian Armed Forces are providing crucial support for the flood areas. The operation includes not only evacuations and the transport of relief supplies, but also technical assistance, such as strengthening and sealing dams and removing blockages. Air support and the use of helicopters One of the biggest challenges in natural disasters such as floods is the transport of relief supplies to inaccessible areas. This is where the air support of the Federal Army comes into play. So far, 300 tons of sandbags and big bags have been flown to the affected areas by helicopters and the C-130 transport aircraft to protect critical infrastructure such as dams and roads. Sandbags play a key role in flood protection by holding back masses of water through rapid embankment and thus preventing residential areas from being flooded. A particularly important aspect of the operations is air safety. The air force has urgently called on the population to refrain from using private drones in the flood areas. Civil

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Corruption trial in France: Allegations against military and logistics companies raise questions

Amely Mizzi September 12, 2024 07:36

On September 9, 2024, a high-profile trial against several high-ranking French military officers and senior executives of the logistics company International Chartering Systems (ICS) began before the Paris Criminal Court. The case has caused a stir and raises serious questions about transparency and fairness in the awarding of defense contracts. The trial, which is scheduled to last until September 25, 2024, is of great importance as it could potentially have far-reaching consequences for the French military and its procurement practices. Allegations of corruption and nepotism At the heart of the indictment are serious allegations of corruption, favoritism and breach of professional secrecy. The indictment is directed against eight military personnel and two ICS executives. The most serious allegation concerns a former chief of staff of the Joint Logistics Support Operations and Movement Center (CSOA), who is accused of having exerted improper influence on the awarding of contracts to ICS. It is alleged that this officer was later hired by ICS, which is seen as an example of favouritism and unfair preferential treatment. Other military personnel are accused of favouring ICS without personal gain. The allegations also include that personal relationships, rather than just objective criteria, may have played a role in the awarding of the air transport contracts. Background and developments The case first came to light in 2016, when the French Senate's Finance Committee raised concerns about the Ministry of Defence's reliance on private companies for strategic air transport. The Court of Auditors found that ICS had significantly increased its tariffs between 2016 and 2017, raising doubts about the fairness of the tendering process. In 2017, the public prosecutor's office launched an investigation into the case.

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