2023-08-25 05:03:33
The army’s “Black Hawk” fleet currently includes nine machines. Three additional S-70 “Black Hawk” have already been ordered by the ministry and should land in Austria next year. According to Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP), it is now clear that another season of twelve should be procured, as she emphasized in the APA interview.
For the three “Black Hawk” in the coming year, 60 million including taxes had to be put on the table, explained the defense minister. The additional squadron is now fixed in the construction plan. This is made possible by the special budget approved by the government, which provides for investments of 16.6 billion euros up to 2032. Although the current galloping inflation and the increased demand on the armaments market due to the Ukraine war are making the situation more difficult, Tanner is confident that the construction plan can be “worked through point by point”. Even if delivery times might be longer.
According to Tanner, the procurement for the aging C-130 “Hercules” transport aircraft is on schedule: “We don’t see any time delay. We have announced the decision for summer – and it will last until the end of September.” The KC-390 from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer and the modern version of the C-130J, the “Super Hercules”, are on the short list. The advantage of the Embraer is that many European countries have this type, such as Portugal, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Hungary. This would result in “many opportunities for cooperation”, emphasized Tanner. It can also be operated on a scheduled basis, which would be an advantage in terms of the numerous supply flights to be completed, says Tanner: “There are many things pointing in this direction.” The new “Hercules”, on the other hand, would have the advantage that the troops already have a lot of experience with this type.
It is also fixed that at least twelve replacement jets are to be ordered for the decommissioned Saab 105 training jets. Tanner is targeting the type decision for the end of 2024. “We’re constantly working on it.” However, it is also regarding “what possibilities for cooperation there are in the context of training, logistics or maintenance”. There are also considerations, with the option to procure more or instead to invest in an additional six drones for airspace surveillance. The plans for this are currently being worked out in the General Staff. The drones will initially be used for reconnaissance, in a further step they might also be equipped to combat drones, says Tanner.
As for the demand made by the two state leaders of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, Anton Mattle and Markus Wallner (both ÖVP), for the stationing of two helicopters in Vomp in Tyrol, Tanner wants to examine them “accordingly”. “But it’s not just a question of the hangar, but also that the appropriate staff is available.” Incidentally, there was “not a single case” where we were not on time in our areas of responsibility,” Tanner pointed out. Of course, with the 36 “Leonardo” and the further procurement of a season of “Black Hawk” you have more options. “We’ll take care of it, so these shouts weren’t actually necessary.”
She was “surprised” by the criticism of joining the European “Sky Shield” air defense system, Tanner said. Above all because she came with the FPÖ from a party “that is concerned regarding Austria’s security”. The criticism was “populist” because participation in the program does not affect neutrality in any way, argues the defense minister. In addition, the formation of opinion within the army was unanimous in favor of “Sky Shield” and the development plan provided for a corresponding budget for anti-aircraft defense anyway, says Tanner: “That’s an additional protection where we say: we want to be there too.”
Tanner does not think that the coalition climate has become rougher. The cooperation works well in her area – apart from various questions in connection with personnel agendas, “where our wishes are of course still justified to the Ministry of Civil Servants,” the defense minister addresses the restructuring that is occurring in the course of the central office reform and the associated job descriptions. In these not only the area of responsibility but also value and salary scheme is laid down. They are created by the Ministry of Defence, but the Ministry of Civil Servants has to give its approval.
“It’s my dream job. I’ve always said that because you can achieve an incredible amount,” Tanner said when asked whether she wanted to remain Defense Minister beyond the upcoming National Council elections. It is now a matter of working until the next election and regaining people’s trust. Tanner did not want to answer whether she would also hold the office of defense minister under the chancellorship of FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl: “I don’t have time to deal with it. Every minute is a waste for me.”
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