Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) doubts that all departments will have to implement the stipulated 15 percent savings in material expenses. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) also indicated that not every ministry would have to save the same amount. However, Tanner is convinced that savings opportunities should be found in every area.

Tanner: Saving at the Federal Army through Streamlined Processes

In the defense department, "one or the other process will be streamlined" and savings will be made in the administrative area, said Tanner, emphasizing: "What is important and also noted is that in times like these, it is absolutely necessary for the Federal Army to become a modern army and that this path of the development plan is truly adhered to." Tanner rejects a reduction in exercise activities, which could bring significant savings in material expenses: "The opposite is actually the case. We have to practice much more." This year alone, exercises are planned both domestically and abroad. A special feature is "TRIAS25," where in April 2025, troops from Switzerland and Germany will conduct a combat exercise together with Austrian forces at the Allentsteig training area.

Budgetary Goal of Two Percent of GDP Pleases Tanner

The ten-year development plan of the Federal Army, decided in 2022, foresees investments of over 16 billion euros by 2032. This includes new acquisitions or modernizations from air defense to interceptors, transport aircraft, drones, helicopters, and battle tanks. For Tanner, it is undisputed that this development plan must not be jeopardized. This is also written in the government program, and it is also stated there that the budgetary goal should be raised to two percent of the gross domestic product for long-term security. Tanner is very pleased that the Ministry of Defense will retain personnel sovereignty and thus be able to decide on contracts and salaries in the army in the future. Only in this way can the Federal Army be competitive in recruiting the necessary personnel. For example, in the area of air traffic controllers, it has been seen that competition with the private sector is not possible. Tanner also supported the new division of ministries, as the area of public service is now located in the Federal Chancellery with State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP).

Tanner: Contract Signing for Leonardo Jets to Occur Soon

The contract signing for twelve Leonardo M-346FA jets, which are being procured in cooperation with Italy, is to occur "soon," Tanner explained. However, they also want to ensure that there is a significant amount of Austrian value creation in terms of an industrial cooperation. Tanner hopes that the contracts will be finalized before the summer. Regarding the Eurofighter succession, the process of creating project reports is to begin soon. The existing 15 units are currently being upgraded but will reach their technical end in 2035. This means that a fundamental decision should be made within this legislative period.

Few Sticking Points in Defense Policy During Coalition Negotiations

The Defense Minister is very pleased about the conclusion of the government negotiations: "For Austrians, it is incredibly important to have a capable government in times like these." In the coalition negotiations with SPÖ and NEOS, there were few sticking points in the area of defense policy. It was quite different with the Freedom Party. Not only regarding their rejection of Sky Shield, but there were also massive differences in opinion regarding international peacekeeping missions and the withdrawal from international treaties, Tanner emphasized. Her party colleague, Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle, had complained about a certain "eastern bias" in the People's Party's government team, which Tanner tried to refute: "I personally believe that this team is very well chosen. And it should never just be a question of where someone is from. Especially in our department, it is beneficial to have continuity to be able to continue this development plan in the spirit of the mission," said the Defense Minister.

(APA/Red)

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