In view of the increasing threat posed by drones to critical infrastructure and internal security, the National Council voted unanimously on Thursday in favor of developing and implementing a national drone protection strategy. The basis for this was a corresponding motion for a resolution by the Greens.
Bipartisan agreement on drone protection strategy
State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried spoke of “comprehensive and complex threats” with regard to the Europe-wide incidents involving drones in recent months. It was “only a matter of time” before Austria would also be affected. Drones are used as part of hybrid attacks to destabilize countries and stir up insecurity. According to Leichtfried, they do not represent abstract threats, but have a very concrete impact on social life. This danger must be countered by the entire state.
Volker Reifenberger (FPÖ) described the “fast-moving” development of drones, such as those used in Ukraine (-> Latest news from the war in Ukraine) is becoming apparent. It usually takes three months from the use of a new technology to the development of a countermeasure. This is in contrast to the rather long procurement processes. Reifenberger went on to emphasize that there are also different ways of defending against different types of drones – this is where the Austrian Armed Forces is still “in its infancy”.
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For example, the technology of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) is “completely unsuitable” for drone defense. In contrast, he saw sensible approaches in the acquisition of the Skyranger air defense system, for example. Both Reifenberger and his parliamentary group colleague Michael Schilchegger insisted on clarification of the relevant responsibilities between the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior. Reifenberger saw the fact that the motion for a national drone protection strategy came from the Greens “of all parties” as a “slip” – in their next motions, they would “once again be referring to EU and NATO-programs again”.
Ernst Gödl (ÖVP) explained that the war in Ukraine marked a “turning point” for the use of drones, as they were being used on a massive scale for the first time and redefining battlefields. Because they are so inexpensive, drones could be used not only by states, but also by terrorist organizations or individual actors. Even if measures have already been taken, such as the establishment of a control center for drones at Austro Control, a comprehensive strategy is now needed, according to Gödl. This must include a system for threat analysis, the strengthening of critical infrastructure, the improvement of the legal framework and the creation of a common air situation picture.
Europe is lagging behind developments
Friedrich Ofenauer (ÖVP) also explained that standardized, accelerated and legally secure processes are needed for drone defence. In addition, the government is already investing in its own “drone fleet” – over Over 300 of them have recently been procured. Margreth Falkner (ÖVP) added that the Resilience of Critical Facilities Act (RKEG) passed in September was also an important step. Manfred Hofinger (ÖVP) discussed various technical options for drone defense.
Europe had not yet realized the effects of “complex threat situations” caused by the increased use of drones and was “lagging behind” technologically in terms of defence, diagnosed SPÖ MP Robert Laimer. “Mass beats technology”, he said, referring to the effects of the low-cost production of drones. According to Laimer, a nationwide solution is now required, which must include clear responsibilities, modern operational capability and European cooperation. Investments must be made in terms of technology, personnel and legislation. “New threats need new answers”, Sabine Schatz (SPÖ) also stated. The Council of Ministers had already adopted an interministerial drone defense strategy at the end of October.
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Christoph Pramhofer (NEOS) stated that the increased incidents involving drones throughout Europe are an effect of hybrid warfare and must be recognized as such. He also underlined the danger posed by the low-cost production of drones and their versatility and emphasized the need for European cooperation in the fight against them.
Proposer Agnes Sirkka Prammer (Greens) was delighted that her motion was adopted unanimously. At the same time, she pointed out that the drone protection strategy was merely a plan. However, Austria must “take action”. It was therefore important to finalize the strategy as quickly as possible because “the other side is already further along than we are”, said Prammer. Her parliamentary group colleague Werner Kogler also emphasized the need for a clear division of responsibilities between the ministries.
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