Austrian Defense Minister Claudia Tanner announced on Monday the acquisition of new military equipment to bolster the Federal Army, valued at 1.8 billion euros.
Speaking at a press conference, Tanner highlighted the significant increase in defense awareness since the onset of the Russian aggressive war on Ukraine.
Tanner expressed satisfaction with the largest financial package in two decades aimed at modernizing the armed forces, with a focus on purchasing tanks and enhancing ground force capabilities.
The defense minister noted, “People have felt secure for a long time in the past, but traditional warfare has returned to our continent, necessitating a substantial upgrade in our armored military capabilities.”
In recent years, European nations have been increasingly focused on enhancing their military capabilities in response to evolving security challenges on the continent.
Austria, traditionally known for its neutrality, has also been part of this trend, particularly in light of heightened tensions following the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The Austrian Federal Army, which has historically prioritized peacekeeping and disaster relief operations, is now looking to modernize its forces to better respond to potential threats.
The decision by Austrian Defense Minister Claudia Tanner to allocate 1.8 billion euros towards military equipment signifies a major shift in the country’s defense policy.
This investment is aimed at updating the army’s capabilities, with a special emphasis on purchasing tanks and reinforcing ground forces, marking the largest financial infusion into the military sector in two decades.
