Austria Going To Purchase Long Range Air Defense System

Austria has unveiled plans to enhance its air defenses by incorporating long-range air defense missiles into its armed forces, beginning in 2027, as announced by the country government in a press conference held in Vienna on November 15. This strategic decision aligns with Austria recent participation in the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative, which seeks to establish integrated and interoperable air defenses across 19 European nations.

The Austrian defense ministry aims to finalize a procurement contract by the end of 2026, with Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasizing the presentation of a draft law to parliament to prevent deferral to the next government, given the upcoming legislative elections in the country. Tanner identified two potential weapon systems during the press conference, with the American-made Patriot system and the American-Israeli Arrow 3 emerging as prime candidates.

In a phone interview, an Austrian military spokesperson emphasized the early stage of the decision-making process, refraining from expressing a preference and highlighting the ongoing deliberations that may extend over the coming days, weeks, or even years.

Despite inquiries during the press conference, neither Tanner nor the ministry spokesperson disclosed a specific price range for the planned procurement. Notably, discussions on the matter are underway with European partners, primarily Germany, according to statements from the defense minister.

Austria commitment to the Sky Shield initiative drew criticism domestically, with concerns raised about the impact on the country neutrality. Chancellor Karl Nehammer, however, asserted that Vienna would retain the final decision on engaging objects in Austria airspace, emphasizing that participation in the initiative and the procurement of long-range air defense systems would not compromise Austria "military neutrality" but enhance its defensive capabilities.

Motivated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Austria has significantly increased funding and procurement for its armed forces, aiming to nearly double annual defense spending to €5.25 billion by 2027 from €2.7 billion in the previous year. This renewed commitment includes the purchase of the German-made Iris-T air defense system for the short-range segment of the Sky Shield scheme.

It is noteworthy that until 1990, Austria, under its 1955 state treaty with Allied occupying powers, was restricted from possessing weapons with a range exceeding 30 kilometers. Currently, Austria ground-based air defenses are limited to "shortest-range" systems, such as MISTRAL missiles and 35mm anti-aircraft cannons, according to information available on the armed forces website.