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ÖVP defense spokesperson praises decision of new Leonardo multipurpose helicopter
Vienna (OTS / ÖVP-PK) – The ÖVP defense spokesperson, Abg. Mag. Michael Hammer for the decision that the Ministry of National Defense will buy 18 Leonardo AW169Ms in a joint procurement cooperation with Italy for around 300 million euros. This was necessary because the previous “Alouette III” transport and liaison helicopters will be retired for technical reasons at the end of 2023 and a helicopter and mobility package was decided to ensure disaster control by the armed forces in the implementation of the government program, explains Hammer.
Hammer: “With this decision, presented by Minister Tanner today, a good investment is made in the security of our country.” Because with the new helicopter system all necessary skill areas can be covered, including self-protection. This includes flexibility and endurance, training, disaster relief operations, night operations, adverse weather conditions and at high altitudes, passenger and water transport, but also the possibility of using it for international operations.
“We bought the helicopter with the best price-performance ratio,” emphasizes the ÖVP defense spokesperson. The current helicopters will continue to operate until 2023. The first new helicopters will land in mid-2022, the last in early 2024. “This ensures a good transition and safety at the same time.”
Italy has proven to be an ideal cooperation partner, explains Hammer. In addition to Italy, Germany (Airbus) and the United States (Bell) were closest competitors. Both Canada and the US had offered to purchase the BELL 429 helicopter in a government-to-government variant. “That would be legally difficult with a non-EU country,” emphasized the ÖVP defense spokesman. Germany, in turn, will acquire up to 60 light multipurpose helicopters from October 2024 to the end of 2027. However, since the Alouette III has to suspend flight operations for technical reasons by the end of 2023, a capacity gap of several years. In addition, there is a high risk because it is not yet clear in Germany which type of helicopter will be selected. Therefore, in this case too, a decision had to be made against cooperation.
It is important for Hammer to emphasize that many Austrian federal states are positively affected by the new decision. “From Carinthia to Styria, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Vorarlberg and Tyrol, the federal states will be included in the future: because the relay with 12 Leonardo AW169M will be stationed in Aigen / Ennstal; Six emergency and training helicopters are stationed at the Langenlebarn air defense school. Temporary helicopter bases are or will be installed in Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Carinthia. This means that the helicopter can be operated there temporarily. ”
Hammer has little understanding of the opposition’s reactions: “This is how Abg. Kunasek publicly ridiculous in boasting about something Minister Tanner implemented. And Abg. Hoyos-Trauttmansdorff is clearly on the trail of Mensdorff-Pouilly by assuming the internal political role of lobbyist for Airbus. “
(Enough)
Queries and contact:
ÖVP parliamentary club press office
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http://www.oevpklub.at
