Air Force
Whilst unseen for much of the time, the Austrian Air Force contributes significantly to our country’s security. Its performance profile is indeed versatile.
The Air Force protects Austria’s airspace and supports the Land Forces with transport capacities and reconnaissance. Those as well as many more tasks are performed by means of a large variety of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, stationary radar installations, and air-defence systems.
TASKS OF THE AUSTRIAN AIR FORCE
MAINTENANCE OF AIRSPACE SOVEREIGNTY
In order for airspace sovereignty to be maintained, entering aircraft must be located, identified, and, if necessary, forced to change direction or land. These tasks are mainly performed by Eurofighter interceptor aircraft.
Ground-based airspace surveillance uses stationary and mobile radar installations.
RESCUE AND ASSISTANCE OPERATIONS
When persons and vehicles do not suffice to cope with disaster and accident situations, support is provided by the Austrian Air Force. Time and again, aircraft are deployed to deal with floods, avalanche accidents, and remote forest fires. Special helicopters support the surveillance of Austria’s eastern border.
SUPPORT OF THE LAND FORCES
The Air Force supports soldiers on the ground with
- reconnaissance flights,
- close air support,
- air transports,
- supply from the air,
- medical evacuations.
AREA AND OBJECT PROTECTION
Air defence forces protect strategically important areas, objects, and installations against attacks from the air. The protection of persons and, especially, land forces deployed close to the border takes priority.