Militär Aktuell spoke to Brigadier Erich Weissenböck, Head of the Structural Planning Department at the Ministry of Defence, and Colonel Klaus Strutzmann, Head of the Air Capability Management Unit in the Structural Planning Department, about the growing importance of drones, the challenges of defending against them and the long-term adjustments in Austrian air defense.
Brigadier, Colonel – drones play a very central role in the armed forces ‘ rearmament and upgrade plans, don’t they?
Weissenböck: Yes, because drones have fundamentally changed the capabilities of our own troops and the enemy. We see systems in all size classes, from improvised FPV quadcopters to MALE drones, which perform reconnaissance and fire support tasks for ground troops at low cost compared to manned systems. In this context, the use of systems available on the civilian market or the production of systems based on civilian components must be taken into account. The use of drones thus makes it possible to increase the survivability of troops on the battlefield and ensure command superiority.
Strutzmann: On the other hand, the use of drones by the enemy forces us to take appropriate defensive measures. The saturation of air defense through the massive deployment of aircraft is not a new concept in principle, but it can be achieved cheaply and in large numbers through the use of drones. Air defense must be put in a position to combat drones of all sizes at all altitudes using suitable weapons. Furthermore, as part of the drone defense of all troops, every troop must be enabled to defend against drones – especially at low altitudes.
That sounds like a paradigm shift. What does this mean for concepts and structures?
Weissenböck: The security situation has changed dramatically. The armed forces must become capable of defense again. As part of capability development, all lines of development from organization and structure, equipment and necessary training through to infrastructure are assessed. The focus is on the rapid development of capabilities. The necessary planning documents must therefore be available in a timely manner.
Strutzmann: The networking of systems is becoming even more important. It must no longer be about individual stand-alone solutions, but about an integrated overall system that consolidates situational pictures and enables the commander to make the right decision within seconds.
Is traditional air defense sufficient, or do we need completely new approaches?
Strutzmann: In principle, traditional air defense is up to the task if appropriate means such as cannon and guided missile systems with different ranges are available. Of course, defending against small drones places high demands on the sensors required for detection and the means of engagement. All experiences from Ukraine (-> Latest news from the Ukraine war) show that there can be no single solution. Cannons alone are not enough, nor are guided weapons alone. Electronic warfare measures are still important, and lasers will also be important in the future (-> Israel puts the world’s first defense-ready laser into service). It is a matter of cleverly combining effective means and bringing them together in a single command and control architecture that can react quickly.
Weissenböck: And we mustn’t forget: Airborne means will also be part of this drone defense (-> Ukraine war: helicopters as drone killers). In certain scenarios, an aircraft can be used just as effectively as a ground-based system. But it remains crucial that all components interact with each other.
How do you deal with the mass of drones that can potentially be deployed at once? In Ukraine, we are seeing Russian attacks with around 1,000 drones at once and you don’t have to be a prophet to predict attacks with 1,500, 2,000 or 3,000 drones.
Strutzmann: That is correct and effective control in such cases is only possible by having different active substances available in the required quantities. Of course, the cost of the defensive measures also plays a role. You shouldn’t waste an expensive guided missile against a cheap drone if cheaper systems can ensure defense. You therefore need graduated means that match the threat and a robust command and control system that mediates between these options as automatically as possible. Speed, networking and prioritization are crucial.
“The security situation has changed dramatically. The Austrian Armed Forces must therefore become capable of defense again.
"Brigadier Erich Weissenböck, Head of the Department of Structural Planning at the Ministry of Defense
So a multi-layered system?
Strutzmann: Yes, as I mentioned earlier – it won’t work any other way. In this multi-layered approach, each effector and each system will have a very specific task and it will only be possible to defend effectively if these effectors and defensive measures are sensibly harmonized and coordinated.
What does all this mean for the troops on the ground? How can soldiers protect themselves in the field?
Weissenböck: A multi-layered approach is also needed here. In future, every combat and support formation will have to have its own elements that specialize in drone defence. In practice, these are small mobile teams that have sensors and effects and are integrated into the command and information system. At the same time, every squad and every company needs a form of self-protection that at least makes it possible to recognize and fend off threats.
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Defense not only concerns the battlefield, but also the infrastructure.
Strutzmann: That’s right. A guard with an assault rifle is no longer enough to protect the infrastructure. Barracks and critical objects need sensors, protective measures and drone detection. These requirements must be taken into account when planning properties or building infrastructure. This also applies to the legal framework and procedures: Who is allowed to intervene and when, how do we respond to unclear threat situations? All of this must be regulated in good time.
How important is international cooperation here?
Weissenböck: Very important. We exchange ideas in NATO-working groups, use the opportunities offered by European projects and work closely with the German Bundeswehr on a bilateral basis. German armed forces and the Swiss Armed Forces army. Compatibility is crucial – both technically and organizationally.
Strutzmann: Joint situational awareness and coordinated procedures are indispensable. This is what makes it possible to defend against long-range weapon systems in the first place due to the necessary advance warning time.
“There can be no single solution. Cannons alone are not enough, nor are guided missiles alone.
"Colonel Klaus Strutzmann, Head of the Air Capability Management Division in the Structural Planning Department of the Ministry of Defense
Which technological trends are decisive for the future?
Strutzmann: In addition to new weapons such as lasers or advanced electronics, above all anything that improves reconnaissance and command and control capabilities. The better the situation picture, the more targeted and faster the action can be.
Weissenböck: It is important not to assess new technologies in isolation, but as part of a system network. When describing the tactical functional requirements of systems, attention must be paid to what really relieves and protects the soldier. Systems that make deployment more complicated have no future.
How far along is the laser defense already?
Strutzmann: Tests are increasingly promising. We are therefore assuming that we will have a new technology with potential in the long term, particularly for defending against very small drones.
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The Austrian Armed Forces are currently pursuing their “Armed Forces 2032+” development plan. What will drone defense look like at the end of this period?
Weissenböck: By then, we want to build up a graduated drone defense system up to medium range, ranging from anti-aircraft guns to guided missiles. These systems will be supplemented by means of electronic warfare and interceptor drones. Battle management systems are already being introduced (-> Austrian Armed Forces purchase battle management system). By 2032, drone defense elements will be established in the units. The goal is a force that understands drone defense as a natural part of its battle management.
Strutzmann: It will be crucial that we take drone defense into account from the outset as part of operational planning – not as an add-on, but as an integral component. Only in this way will we be able to connect with Europe and at the same time be in a position to defend our country independently.
Here for more current news about the Austrian Armed Forces and here to our drone topic area with all the latest news on the subject.
