The Austrian Armed Forces is consistently pushing ahead with the expansion of its air defense and drone defense. In addition to the ongoing modernization of the 35-millimeter anti-aircraft guns at Rheinmetall Air Defence new Skyranger anti-aircraft turrets will also be introduced on the Pandur Evolution wheeled armored vehicle. As has now been announced, these vehicles are to be integrated into new anti-aircraft batteries in the 1, 6, 7 and 15 fighter battalions.

The Austrian Armed Forces is procuring a total of 225 Pandur Evolution from the manufacturer General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr in twelve different configurations. 36 Pandur Evolution vehicles will be equipped with the Skyranger anti-aircraft turret from Rheinmetall. Austria is the world’s first customer for this system, with delivery of the vehicles scheduled from 2027.

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Specifically, nine Pandur Evolution with Skyranger will be assigned to each of the 1st companies of fighter battalions 1, 6, 7 and 15. These companies will be reclassified as anti-aircraft batteries and organizationally subordinated to the respective land brigades, as Bundesheer spokesman Michael Bauer confirmed.

At the same time, structural adjustments have also been made recently: The Jägerbataillon 8 in Salzburg was transformed into an anti-aircraft battalion 8 and placed under the control of the air force. In addition, the Austrian Armed Forces are working intensively on expanding electronic drone defense capabilities. A system decision on the planned procurement of medium-range ground-based air defense systems should also be made before the end of this year.

Here for more current news about the Austrian Armed Forces.

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