Austrian Armed Forces Will Continue to Strengthen the Domestic Economy with Investments in the Future
In "economically challenging times," the army aims to keep the share of value creation in Austria as high as possible. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) emphasizes that the security situation in Europe has changed or deteriorated. Austria must also address this and take appropriate measures.
Domestic economy benefits from Federal Army contracts
A lot has already been invested and "this will continue to be done in the future," said the minister. An example is the new construction of the large barracks in Villach. "99 percent of the contracts go to domestic companies." Austrian companies would also benefit from the procurement of Pandur tanks and new trucks. This "secures and creates jobs," said Tanner.
Armaments Director Harald Vodosek emphasized that there are "clear lines and targets from the minister." The aim is to "procure as quickly as possible," with the time factor being essential. New material must be field-tested, have "best technology" and future potential. But the Federal Army also creates value in other areas, with a particularly high share in personnel and infrastructure.
Tanner on audit report: "That was also my wish"
Regarding the procurement audit report, which identified structural deficiencies in major arms purchases, Tanner was conciliatory. "I established this commission," said the minister, noting that it is not legally required. Once the report is finalized and published, it can also be discussed in parliament - "But that was also my wish."
The communication criticized in the procurement process may have been "not clear enough," Tanner said. However, the report is precisely for such feedback. On Saturday, "Die Presse" quoted from the preliminary document. The audit report for the year 2024 was approved by the commission in March 2025, but the document has not yet been published. Further comments are still being incorporated, according to the Ministry of Defense.
Decision on Eurofighter Successor Still "In This Legislative Period"
A major upcoming project is the successor to the Eurofighter. It should be settled "in this legislative period," Tanner said. Such a process takes a few years. "Everything must proceed transparently," emphasized the minister. Continuous investments have been made in the current system, "which is also necessary." This ensures that the equipment can remain operational during the transition period.
The Greens expressed skepticism about the presented figures. "Of course, it is good if the domestic economy can benefit from the many procurements being made. But it must also be clear that the best-suited product is procured at the best possible price," defense spokesperson David Stögmüller stated in a press release. In procurement, the necessary transparency is often lacking, and he wishes for more information for parliament. The results of the audit commission are problematic for Stögmüller: "The report shows that product preferences are publicly announced before tenders have even been made, and classifications are described so specifically that only one product remains."
(APA/Red)
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