Austria Dismisses Participation in French Nuclear Shield

Austria's Minister of Defense has firmly rejected the idea of participating in a French nuclear umbrella, stating that nuclear protection is not a relevant topic for the nation. The Minister emphasized that Austria's stance on this issue has been well established for quite some time. However, she highlighted the significance of the Sky Shield defense initiative, mentioning that preliminary steps towards short-range defense capabilities have already been initiated. A decision regarding the medium-range system is expected soon, as indicated in a recent interview.

During the farewell ceremony for 75 Austrian soldiers being deployed for a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, the Minister reiterated Austria's commitment to international security despite its military neutrality. She pointed out that Austria has been actively contributing to peacekeeping missions since 1960, asserting that the country is far from being a free rider in global security efforts.

In light of potential threats, particularly from Russia, the Minister stressed the necessity for Austria to enhance its defense capabilities. She remarked that being a proponent of peace also requires preparation, which includes modernizing military facilities--a move she believes will benefit the domestic construction industry.

The 2032+ development plan incorporates advancements in military technology, with a focus on investing in drones and drone defense systems. The planned European air defense project, Sky Shield, is expected to provide comprehensive protection for Austria, ensuring that no region, whether it be Vienna or Amstetten, goes unprotected.

The Minister emphasized the importance of collaborative procurement within the European security framework, advocating for the rapid and efficient building of military capabilities. She expressed that Europe must become both self-sufficient and resilient, highlighting the need for decisive action rather than mere documentation to facilitate quicker implementation of initiatives.

She underscored the value of government-to-government agreements in defense procurement, such as the recent acquisition of new Leonardo M-346 subsonic jets. The establishment of a new EU defense commissioner and the strengthening of the European Defense Agency (EDA) are seen as positive steps towards achieving these goals.

Regarding procurement processes, the Minister noted that Austria is well-positioned, citing the swift acquisition of helicopters, transport aircraft, and the replenishment of the Leonardo subsonic jets fleet.