Thunderstorms and heavy rain around the “Leopold Figl Air Base” in Langenlebarn (Lower Austria). But the first test flight of the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Army in the helicopter “Leonardo AW-169” can be started despite the most unfavorable weather conditions – after all, it is not a “fair weather helicopter”.
The helicopter turns silently into the air. President Alexander Van der Bellen calmly observes the activities of the pilots. The 5-ton colossus slowly glides at a speed of 260 km/h towards Aigen in Styria, where twelve of the 36 helicopters ordered in Italy will be stationed.
Van der Bellen looks with interest at the mountain landscape. Then two Eurofighters appear out of nowhere to briefly reinforce the flight escort of the “Black Hawk”.
“The necessary modernization of the air force has gained momentum,” the president summarizes, “this helicopter was the right choice. It can fly at night and in bad weather and is suitable for troop transport, disaster relief, firefighting and mountain rescue. And in the armed version it provides protection against the air.”
Finally, Van der Bellen is committed to the ‘Sky Shield’ missile defense system, which is highly compatible with our neutrality. In the rain, he then expresses his gratitude to ‘his soldiers’ – after all, he is not a ‘fair-weather president’.
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.
