The defense budget of the Austrian Armed Forces for 2022 is exactly 2.713 billion euros. This corresponds to a budget increase of 40 million euros compared to the previous year.
“For the third time in a row, we have succeeded in achieving the highest defense budget in history for the Austrian Armed Forces. For years, the army has not been given the budgetary priority it deserves. The years of backlog have come to an end and we are looking positively to the future – with a modern and capable armed forces,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. In 2020, the defense budget was increased to 2.546 billion euros, an increase of 9.9 percent or 254 million euros. For 2021, the budget was increased by a further 127.1 million euros, giving the armed forces 2.673 billion euros at their disposal.
In addition to the increase, funds from the Covid-19 fund amounting to EUR 20 million have been budgeted for 2022. These funds are to be seen as a kind of advance and are available without exception for relevant expenses in the fight against the pandemic. The high level of over 2.7 billion euros will also be maintained for 2025. Provisions of 39.4 million euros have been made for salary increases and the structural effect, and 46.7 million euros have been set aside for ongoing helicopter procurement. “An investment in the Austrian Armed Forces is also an investment in Austria’s security. And security does not come for free. I am therefore very pleased that the services provided by the Austrian Armed Forces are being sustainably rewarded in the budget,” continued the Minister.
