Next year there should be reinforcements for the Armed Forces Black Hawk Squadron. Three new aircraft have already been ordered. But the purchase of the transport helicopters is far from over. According to Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP), it is now clear that another squadron consisting of twelve helicopters must land in Austria.
For the three Black Hawks, 60 million including taxes had to be put on the table next year, the defense minister explained in an interview with the APA. The extra squadron is now fixed in the construction plan. This is made possible by the special budget approved by the cabinet, which provides for investments of EUR 16.6 billion until 2032. Although the current galloping inflation and increased demand in the arms market due to the war in Ukraine make the situation more difficult, Tanner was confident that the development plan could be worked out “point by point”. Even if the delivery time could be longer.
A decision will also be taken shortly about which aircraft will replace the outdated Hercules transport aircraft. “We don’t see any slowdown. We have announced the decision before the summer – and that will take until the end of September,” said the minister. The KC-390 from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer and the modern version of the C-130J, the “Super Hercules”, are shortlisted. It has also been determined that at least twelve replacement jets must be ordered for the decommissioned Saab 105 training jets. Tanner aims for the type decision before the end of 2024.
‘Amazement’ at criticism of ‘Sky Shield’
She was “surprised” by the criticism of joining Europe’s “Sky Shield” air defense system, Tanner said. Especially since she came with the FPÖ from a party “that is concerned about the security of Austria”. The criticism was ‘populist’ because participation in the program in no way detracts from neutrality, the defense minister argued. In addition, opinion within the army was unanimous in favor of “Sky Shield” and the development plan at least provided for a corresponding budget for anti-aircraft defense. “That is an extra protection whereby we say: we want to be there too,” said the ÖVP politician.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
