Austrian Air Force

Austrian Air Force
Unit name	Austrian Air Force
Native name	Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte
Caption	Flag of Austria
Start date	1927 (as Federal Aviation Troops), 1955 (re-established)
Country	Austria
Branch	Austrian Armed Forces
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare, Air policing
Size	Approximately 2,500 personnel
Command structure	Federal Ministry of Defence (Austria)
Garrison	Tulln an der Donau
Garrison label	Air Command
Commander1	Rudolf Striedinger
Commander1 label	Commander of the Air Force
Identification symbol	Roundel of Austria
Identification symbol label	Roundel
Aircraft attack	Eurocopter EC635
Aircraft fighter	Eurofighter Typhoon
Aircraft patrol	Pilatus PC-7
Aircraft trainer	Diamond DA40, Diamond DA42
Aircraft transport	C-130 Hercules, Pilatus PC-6

Austrian Air Force. The Austrian Air Force, known officially as the Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte, is the aerial warfare branch of the Austrian Armed Forces. Established in its modern form in 1955 following the Austrian State Treaty, its primary missions include the sovereign airspace protection of Austria and providing support for national disaster relief operations. Operating a mixed fleet of modern and legacy aircraft, it is headquartered at the main air base in Tulln an der Donau and falls under the command of the Federal Ministry of Defence (Austria).

History

The origins of a dedicated Austrian military aviation service trace back to 1927 with the formation of the Federal Aviation Troops during the First Austrian Republic. Following the Anschluss in 1938, Austrian personnel and assets were absorbed into the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany. After World War II and a decade of Allied occupation, the independent Austrian Air Force was re-established on the basis of the 1955 Austrian State Treaty, which prohibited certain weapon systems like strategic bombers and guided missiles. Its early fleet consisted of donated aircraft such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver and the Saab 29 Tunnan. A significant modernization occurred during the Cold War with the procurement of the Saab 105 jet trainer and light attack aircraft. The post-Cold War era saw further transformation, including participation in Partnership for Peace exercises and the major acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon in the early 21st century, a decision that followed a prolonged political debate and the retirement of older fighters like the Saab 35 Draken.

Organization

The Air Force is commanded by the Commander of the Air Force, currently Rudolf Striedinger, and is integrated into the overall structure of the Austrian Armed Forces. Its operational forces are divided into three primary wings: the Air Surveillance Wing based at Zeltweg Air Base, the Air Support Wing headquartered at Hörsching Air Base, and the Air Transport Wing located at Linz Airport. Key command and control functions are managed by the Air Command in Tulln an der Donau, while specialized training is conducted at the Air Force School. The force works closely with other branches, particularly for airborne operations and support for the Austrian Special Forces. For integrated air defense, it cooperates with civilian authorities like Austro Control and is a participant in multinational initiatives such as the European Air Transport Command.

Aircraft

The current inventory features a mix of combat, transport, and training aircraft. The primary interceptor and air defence fighter is the Eurofighter Typhoon, which replaced the venerable Saab 35 Draken. Light attack and reconnaissance duties are performed by the Saab 105, a type long in service. Fixed-wing transport is provided by a small fleet of C-130 Hercules tactical airlifters and versatile Pilatus PC-6 utility aircraft. Rotary-wing capabilities include the Bell 212 and Bell 204 for transport and search and rescue, with the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk serving as a newer medium-lift helicopter. The training fleet consists of the Diamond DA40 and Diamond DA42 multi-engine trainers, along with the Pilatus PC-7 turboprop. Unmanned aerial vehicles like the Schiebel Camcopter S-100 are also operated for reconnaissance missions.

Bases

Major operational air bases are strategically located across the country. The primary fighter base is Zeltweg Air Base in Styria, home to the Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. Hörsching Air Base near Linz functions as a key hub for transport and helicopter units, hosting the C-130 Hercules. Linz Airport also serves as a civilian-military airfield for air transport operations. The main training base is located at Tulln an der Donau, which also houses the Air Force Command. Other significant facilities include Aigen im Ennstal for helicopter training and Schwarzenau for logistics. The Air Force also maintains a network of dispersed operational locations and radar sites, such as those on the Kolomansberg and Buchberg, for comprehensive airspace surveillance.

Insignia and markings

National identification is provided by a roundel in the colors of the Austrian flag: a red disc surrounded by a white ring and an outer red ring. This insignia is displayed on the fuselage and wings of aircraft. The tail fin flash typically repeats this red-white-red pattern vertically. Serial numbers are presented in a standard format, such as "3E-xx" for helicopters or "7L-xx" for fixed-wing aircraft. Squadron or unit badges are often carried on the air intake cheeks of fighters like the Eurofighter Typhoon. Aircraft engaged in United Nations missions may display UN markings, while those used for civilian support roles, such as Alpine rescue performed by the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, may carry distinct high-visibility livery.

Future developments

Modernization plans focus on replacing aging platforms and enhancing network-centric capabilities. A major ongoing project is the replacement of the Saab 105 fleet with a new light attack and reconnaissance aircraft, with candidates like the Aero L-159 ALCA under consideration. The helicopter fleet is slated for renewal, with the Bell 212 and Bell 204 expected to be succeeded by modern multi-role helicopters. There is also an initiative to acquire a new generation of medium-range air defence systems to bolster national integrated air defence. Furthermore, the Air Force is investing in enhanced C3 systems and expanding its fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles for increased surveillance reach, ensuring interoperability with allies within the European Union and NATO partnership frameworks.

Category:Military of Austria Category:Air forces by country