About 350 militia members of the “Archduke Rainer” infantry battalion of Salzburg are practicing electronic warfare for the first time this week to defend against enemy drones. For this, the anti-drone element “ELDRO” is used. The exercise is part of the “Protection Shield 22” weapons exercise in Flachgau and neighboring Upper Austria, which began on March 28 and will last until April 9. The focus is on protecting objects and vital infrastructure.
Enemy drones can bring down planes and flatten airports, but they can also fight troops and endanger critical infrastructure. Due to their low location, they are difficult to locate. Drone defense elements are used to protect buildings and secure military facilities, as well as monitor state visits or major events.
System forces drones to land
Against the background of the Austrian Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2018, the drone detection and defense element “ELDRO” (Electronic Warfare for Defense against Drones) was set up next to the C-EAT project at the Air and Air Forces School. “We are the only armed forces in Europe to use this element in practice,” said a spokesman for the Salzburg Military Command.
“ELDRO” was introduced into the army four years ago and has been stationed since March 1, 2022 in the Salzburg Schwarzenberg barracks under the leading responsibility of Jäger Battalion 8. With its help, small enemy drones can be disrupted by means of electromagnetic waves – the jammer is served by two soldiers – and forced to land. Ideally, the drone pilot can also be located.
The exercise “Shield 22” is supported by the Flying Bulls. According to the exercise scenario, civilian aircraft enter the protection zone in the Kolomansberg area (near Mondsee), fly over the military and thus create a dangerous situation because it is uncertain whether the aircraft will be used for military purposes or terrorist attacks. “The smoke used is harmless,” the military command said.
Nearly 350 militiamen were called up to “Protection Shield 22”. In addition, there are recruits currently in military service in Jäger Battalion 8, the unit responsible for the mobilization of the Salzburg Jäger Battalion, as well as support personnel from Jäger Battalion 8. Components of the radar battalion, the military police and the decontamination platoon of Staff Battalion 6 are also involved. In total, more than 450 soldiers with about 50 wheeled vehicles participate in “Protection Shield 22”.
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.
