Vienna is reshaping its security strategy as hybrid threats spread across Europe and military planners seek more independent intelligence capabilities.
Austria is preparing to launch four of its own satellites into orbit next year. They will be used to gather intelligence and meet the country’s defense needs. At the same time, Vienna plans to expand its counter-drone capabilities.
As reported by the online media outlet Ukrinform.
Austria’s Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner announced this on September 1, ahead of an informal meeting of the defense ministers of European Union member states.
Strengthening Austria’s defense capabilities is provided for in the “Mission Forward” development plan through 2032. In any possible scenario, we need our own situational data, which is why the Austrian Federal Armed Forces plan to launch four satellites into orbit next year. We will work closely with Luxembourg in this area.
– Klaudia Tanner
According to Tanner, Europe is already facing hybrid warfare. She identified disinformation campaigns, the spread of fake news, and the use of migration as a tool of political pressure among the challenges. As an example, the minister mentioned the crisis on the Belarus–European Union border in 2021.
Austria to develop counter-drone systems
Preparing for hybrid threats is part of Austria’s budgetary development plan aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
One specific area of the plan is improving protection against drones. Austria is purchasing Sky Ranger systems and is also modernizing its Mistral surface-to-air missile systems.
Tanner also commented on Ukraine’s need for air defense systems. She noted that Austria provides Ukraine with financial and humanitarian assistance and participates in sanctions packages, taking into account its constitutional status as a neutral state.
We support Ukraine, but in accordance with our constitutional concept of a neutral state, we assist it financially and humanitarianly and also take part in sanctions packages.
– Klaudia Tanner
The minister said that after four and a half years of war, diplomatic efforts needed to be intensified. In her view, achieving peace must remain the top priority.
Commenting on the drone incident in Leipzig, Germany, and Russia’s possible involvement, Tanner urged people to first wait for complete and verified information about the circumstances of the incident.