Today Monday, Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) handed over the special vehicle “Survivor” to the special unit WEGA in Vienna. The heavily armored vehicle is primarily intended for particularly dangerous missions, including terrorist situations.
“If we don’t need it, we’re happy. But if we need it, we are happy to have it,” the head of the Austrian Rapid Reaction Forces and WEGA, Ernst Albrecht, said at a news conference.
“Not directed at people”
Albrecht emphasized that the vehicle is not a tank and therefore has no weapons. “It’s not against people,” the former WEGA commander said. Rather, the ‘Survivor’ is intended to rescue people or emergency services from a danger area or approach a particularly dangerous situation. Albrecht, who is also responsible for the security service, did not want to reveal exact details about the armor for security reasons.
The presentation also included a mid-term review of the Rapid Intervention Group (SIG), which was established nationwide following the 2020 terrorist attack based on the WEGA model. The SIG serves to support police inspections when dealing with people with an increased risk potential. According to Karner, 6,640 people have been arrested by SIG agents since September 1, 2021. General Director of Public Security Franz Ruf underlined the importance of the SIG, especially in view of the increased terror alert level in Austria.
Source: Krone
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