When Decision on Long-Range Missile Defense Could Be Made
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) mentioned this timeframe on Wednesday in ORF radio. Regarding the political upheavals in the USA and the fact that Europe can no longer rely on the protective power of the USA, she said: "For us, this means that we must become capable of defense," the 2032+ development plan of the armed forces must be implemented.
Long-Range Defense Systems in the Government Program
That Austria wants to purchase long-range defense systems in addition to the acquisition of medium-range missile defense systems already anchored in the armed forces' development plan (as part of "Sky Shield") was already established in the government program. Tanner now mentioned the year 2028 as a concrete timeframe for the decision-making for these systems.
It is correct, "that we must develop in the area of airspace surveillance towards air defense as well," said Tanner. The development plan includes short and medium ranges, Tanner referred to the planned acquisitions within the framework of the European procurement initiative "Sky Shield". The costs for the systems for longer ranges, which are to be procured afterwards, are expected to be around four billion euros. "I think that we will carry this out as planned, after we have procured the short and medium ranges - I think 2028."
Situation in USA with Consequences
Tanner affirmed the question of whether the changed situation in the USA will also influence the decision on which country to buy the corresponding systems from (for example, from the USA or Europe). "All these decisions will naturally have to take this into account. I am convinced that our planning officials, especially Lieutenant General (Bruno, note) Hofbauer, have this on the plan." This also applies to the succession question of the Eurofighter, which according to Tanner will only be in operation until 2035. The preliminary work for this would already begin now, she said.
(APA/Red)
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