It is well known that Austria and numerous other European countries are jointly planning to set up a new air defense system: the “European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)” is intended to close gaps in the current protective shield, and to this end Austria now even wants to procure far-reaching missile defense systems. But what exactly the Sky Shield is, why Austria is taking part and how high the associated costs are is explained by Brigadier Gerfried Promberger, the Air Chief of the Austrian Armed Forces.
Mr. Brigadier, with the exception of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Austria is surrounded by NATO countries. So if a dangerous or hostile object enters Austrian airspace, surely it should already have been neutralized in or by a NATO country?
Russia’s war of aggression in violation of international law has significantly shaken the European security architecture. The attack on Ukraine has also shown how necessary a common European and seamless air defense is. The way to achieve this is through cooperation in airspace surveillance and defense in Europe. Sky Shield is a protective umbrella stretched over Austria to ward off threats from the air and ensure the safety of Austrians. Austria is neutral, not part of any military alliance, and must therefore be able to protect its population and critical infrastructure independently.
“Sky Shield is a protective umbrella stretched over Austria to ward off threats from the air and ensure the safety of Austrians.”
How much ammunition will be procured and what about production capacity?
This is currently being planned and developed, taking into account corresponding strategic reserves in order to maintain the national response capability. How high are the costs for Austria?
With the financially assured resources in accordance with the “Development Plan ÖBH 2032+“, closing the capability gaps for the short and medium range of the ground-based air defense force is ensured. Air defence over 50 kilometers is currently not included in the development plan and will be budgeted additionally. The decision by the Council of Ministers on November 15 makes it possible to close this gap in the future. This represents a significant contribution to Austria’s airspace defense capability as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative. Is Sky Shield compatible with our neutrality?
On July 7, the Federal Minister of Defense, Klaudia Tanner, signed a declaration of intent together with her Swiss counterpart regarding Austria’s participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative. In an additional declaration to the declaration of intent, it is expressly stated that Austria and Switzerland intend to participate in joint procurement and training measures within the framework of the ESSI, but not in operational measures. This expressly excludes measures that could be interpreted as participation in a military alliance or as allowing bases on Austrian territory. https://militaeraktuell.at/die-nimitz-klasse-steht-vor-der-verlaengerung/
Is there a current need for Sky Shield?
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has shown that comprehensive defense capabilities against military threats are becoming increasingly important. Russia is deploying unmanned systems, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles in Ukraine in many cases. This highlights the importance of a powerful air defense system to counter future threats. Sky Shield is a protective umbrella stretched over Austria to ward off threats from the air and ensure the safety of Austrians. Attacks from the air by projectiles, missiles or aircraft are possible. This requires various military systems with different ranges. In military terms, there are three interception layers, which are defined by their range in distance and height.
Does Austria fire missiles at targets outside its borders or do other member states possibly fire at targets in Austria?
The joint recognition of dangers and threats from the air and outer space and the safety of Austrians have priority. The use of Austrian airspace by other nations is not authorized and would constitute a violation of Austrian air sovereignty and thus sovereignty. The release of weapons against recognized threats is exclusively national and thus sovereign exclusively against targets in Austrian airspace.
“The use of Austrian airspace by other nations is not authorized and would constitute a violation of Austrian air sovereignty and thus sovereignty.”
Who could pose a threat to Austria?
The increased threat situation manifests itself in three factors against which Sky Shield is intended to provide the necessary protection:
– attacks by drones or threats from misdirected drones,
– threats from military aircraft in airspace and
– threats from ballistic or nuclear missiles in air and space.
How long is the useful life of rockets before they have to be disposed of or are no longer usable?
The service life varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Our planning documents generally aim for a service life of 30 years.
Which missile defense system will be procured?
There are European, American and Israeli manufacturers. Internationally, longer-range missile defense systems include Patriot (USA) and Arrow III (USA and Israel).
Does Sky Shield cover the whole of Germany?
Yes, with a longer-range missile defense system, the entire territory of Germany can be covered.
Do the Iris-T SLM and SLS batteries, which are also being purchased, also belong to the Sky Shield program or are they part of the classic air defence system?
Austria currently has capability gaps in all three areas – short, medium and long-haul – which are to be closed by participating in the European Sky Shield Initiative in addition to the investments in air surveillance and ground-based air defense (short and medium-haul) already provided for in the development plan. https://militaeraktuell.at/oesterreich-staerkt-seine-luftverteidigung-nachhaltig/
Will Austria also buy systems such as Gepard or Skynex to defend itself against drones? Do these also fall under the Sky Shield program?
Drone defence trials have taken place in Austria in recent years and the planning documents are being finalized. A type or system decision has not yet been made. Drone defense is not covered by the European Sky Shield Initiative.
Does Austria itself have control over the missiles? How long does the decision phase take as to whether Austria intercepts a missile on its own?
The release of weapons against recognized threats against Austria is exclusively national and thus sovereign against targets in Austrian airspace. Recognizing dangers or threats from air and space and the safety of Austrians have priority. The decision phase regarding the release of weapons will take place in a very short time.
Can the new weapon systems also be used for training in Austria or is this only possible in other countries? Would this system have to be relocated or would another one be borrowed?
The European Sky Shield Initiative is aimed at joint procurement (“Common System”) and joint training (“Common Doctrine and Common Training”). For “Common Training”, the German Bundeswehr offers education and training opportunities at the Todendorf firing range in Germany under the slogan “One System – One Training Centre”. The establishment of a “European Air Defense Academy” is mentioned as a goal.
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