After the Kronen Zeitung reported on Sunday that the decision on the Alouette III successor had been made in favor of the Leonardo AW169 multi-role helicopter, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and Chief of Staff Robert Brieger confirmed the type selection at a media event this afternoon.
“In 2023, we will have to say goodbye to the more than 50-year-old Alouette III helicopters and replace the type with 18 new helicopters,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner at the start of the media briefing. “This is the largest procurement since the Eurofighter 17 years ago and this procurement in particular has shown how it should not be done. We have therefore now opted for a government-to-government solution.”
According to Tanner, a total of 376 must and should criteria were drawn up in the run-up to the decision and the list of criteria was then sent to 27 countries. Closer talks were subsequently held with Germany, the USA and Italy. “It became clear that the United States would not be able to meet the specific requirements, partly because the USA does not operate the type itself and legal processing with a non-EU country is difficult.” Germany was ruled out due to “different procurement lines” and “different views on the maintenance of the machines”. The decision was therefore clearly made in favor of Italy. “Italy was able to assure us very quickly that they could meet all requirements,” said Defense Minister Tanner. “The only recommendation from the General Staff was to carry out the procurement together with Italy and I therefore instructed the General Staff to enter into negotiations with Italy.”
Chief of Staff Robert Brieger then emphasized the “timely decision” of the successor solution. “This leaves enough time for the negotiations and the supply of equipment. The aim is to start the supply before the Alouette III is retired and to establish initial operational readiness as soon as it is retired. This will not create a capability gap.” On the question of armament, Brieger mentioned different variants for air-to-ground support. He expressed confidence that at least four corresponding armament kits will be available for the army’s new AW169 helicopters from the mid-2020s. As reported twelve aircraft are to be stationed in Aigen im Ennstal and a further six aircraft for training purposes in Langenlebarn. According to a timeline presented (see above), the first four AW169 rotorcraft are due to arrive in the first half of 2022, with eight new helicopters already in Austria by the end of 2022. The last two aircraft will then be delivered in the first half of 2024. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner concludes: “With this helicopter, we are purchasing a highly efficient and modern piece of equipment that not only serves the safety of our soldiers, but also the safety of the entire population. We are thus investing in Austria’s security.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG6AmSgW1JA&feature=emb_title
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