The construction of a huge missile defense shield over Austria is now happening in quick succession: as the “Krone” has learned from federal government circles, the federal army will not only purchase medium-range missiles as part of the European defense initiative Sky Shield, but also long-range weapons with a range up to 200 kilometers. Two systems have been shortlisted for this.
The generals were initially surprised in September when the planned purchase of IRIS-T air defense missiles with a range of 50 kilometers became known. A revolution for the starved air defense of the federal army, which so far only has twin 3.5 cm anti-aircraft guns and Mistral short-range missiles.
Missiles with a range of 200 kilometers
But now the government has even bigger plans – and is turning the entire country’s security architecture inside out: For the first time in Austria’s history, it plans to purchase long-range missiles that can reach air targets up to 200 kilometers away.
Three more dangers:
The new systems and the expanded Sky Shield missile defense shield are intended to protect not only Austria, but also large parts of Europe against three airborne threats:
- Drone attacks or threats from misguided drones
- Threat from military aircraft in European airspace
- Threat from ballistic or nuclear missiles in European airspace
According to information from “Krone”, the US Patriot anti-aircraft missile system and the Arrow system, jointly developed by Israel and the US, are under discussion.
A special budget is therefore available for the purchase. About four billion euros will be spent on the package, which will include missiles, launch pads, command centers and radar stations; the money is budgeted from 2027, the report said.
The German Bundeswehr explains the use of the Patriot guided missiles:
Tomorrow the Council of Ministers will decide on the plans to purchase the systems. Chancellor Nehammer had previously stated: “Only a well-defended democracy can protect its people from danger. Sky Shield will make an important contribution to this. We must and will ensure that Austria, as a neutral country, can protect itself against threats.”
Proven systems
Patriot anti-missiles, like the IRIS-T weapons, have proven effective in repelling Russian airstrikes in Ukraine. The new Arrow missiles were recently used successfully for the first time by the Israeli army.
Challenge for the Armed Forces
Although the delivery of weapons will not take place for many years, the procurement is already a headache: entire battalions need to be reorganized, skilled personnel recruited and probably trained in the US and Germany. “It is a decades-old capability gap that the armed forces must now close,” one officer told the “Krone”.
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.
