Under the motto “Rethinking the militia!”, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner presented the militia’s special investment package today together with Major General Erwin Hameseder, who is responsible for the militia in the Austrian Armed Forces.
A total of around 200 million euros is to be invested in equipment, devices and infrastructure for the militia soldiers over the next three years. “During the coronavirus crisis, we have seen how important the militia is for the protection of our republic. Around 1,400 soldiers were deployed, and around half of them will remain deployed until July 20. The militia forces have done an outstanding job so far. The deployment and the numerous pieces of feedback I received from the soldiers during my visits made it clear to us that there are still some adjustments we need to make. After several years of trying to create a package for the militia, I have succeeded in negotiating a 200 million euro package. This will be used to make necessary purchases in the areas of military equipment and mobility over the next few years. We are thus taking the first step towards a strong militia and further steps will follow,” announced Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner at a press conference.
The investment package is to be paid out in three tranches over the next few years – this year, next year and the year after next. The special budget will be used for procurements in the areas of equipment, devices and infrastructure and will therefore be added to the regular budget:
- 200 functional vehicles to replace the fleet of Pinzgauers being phased out with a total value of around 26 million euros
- Equipment to protect soldiers amounting to around 88 million euros (camouflage suits, night vision goggles, combat helmets, protective vests, headsets and hearing protection)
- Command and control equipment such as radios and modern ICT devices for the sustainable maintenance of command and control capabilities amounting to around EUR 22 million
- Modernized StG77 assault rifles and new sniper rifles for around 16 million euros
- new infrastructure such as garages and warehouses worth around 28 million euros
Major General Erwin Hameseder, Commissioner for the Militia, welcomes the militia package and is delighted: “As Commissioner for the Militia, I have been calling for a special militia investment package for years – now the time has come! These investments are the prerequisite for ensuring that parts of the militia – i.e. the citizens in uniform – can cope with the demanding and complex tasks that will increasingly arise in the future at a high professional level. On the one hand, the new package aims to significantly increase the self-protection of militia soldiers. It also aims to meet the modern requirements of the military task spectrum. I would like to thank the Minister for her strong commitment to the militia!” The investment package of 200 million euros for the militia will increase their operational capability and enhance their status. Once the measures have been completed, every soldier will have the same personal equipment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iVZhyVSHkE&feature=emb_title
