Federal Army Continues to Guard Critical Objects in Vienna

In the future, the guarding of critical objects will be carried out by object protection police officers, however, according to the Ministry of Defence, there are not yet enough trained personnel.

Austrian Armed Forces Report: Fewer Refugees Apprehended

In 2024, the Austrian Armed Forces also apprehended 3,200 refugees - far fewer than in 2023. Last year, the Austrian Armed Forces apprehended 22,350 refugees and about 70 smugglers (2024: about 30). The Ministry of Defence pointed out that refugees are not only apprehended by the Austrian Armed Forces - but the extent has decreased. In the country, approximately 250,000 person-days were performed in the context of "security police operation/migration" and the guarding of critical infrastructure in Vienna. The latter will probably be extended further, it was said on request. 26,000 person-days were also performed in assistance operations and disaster relief - "predominantly" during the floods in Lower Austria. The demining service recovered and defused about 40 tons of war material in 962 operations, including about 100 kilos during seven diving operations in Austria's lakes.

Nearly 640 Soldiers on Foreign Deployment

Nearly 640 soldiers, including 30 women, are on foreign deployment in 17 missions - including in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Lebanon. 500 soldiers were trained for deployment as part of the EU Battlegroup 2025. EU Battlegroups are multinational military units that the EU sends to crisis and war zones.

In 2024, 800 young people began their training as cadre soldiers, over 500 of them with the goal of becoming professional non-commissioned officers. According to the Ministry of Defence, this represents a doubling compared to previous years. In addition, over 600 civilian servants were recruited. 250 women took advantage of voluntary basic military service, 150 of them are still in service. Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) sees positive effects of the personnel offensive that has been running for three years: "With the acquisition of modern equipment, the Austrian Armed Forces are becoming more attractive as an employer again."

Purchases this year included the initiation of the expansion of the vehicle fleet with 190 million euros and the modernisation of simulation and command support systems, which cost almost 300 million euros. In addition, 342 million euros were invested in infrastructure, maintenance, rents and operation.

(APA/Red)

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