Austria's Military Might: A Comprehensive Overview

Austria does have a military, known as the Austrian Armed Forces or Bundesheer, which consists of 16,000 active-duty personnel and 125,600 reservists. The Austrian military is divided into the air force, land-based forces, special forces, and cyber forces. The main constitutional tasks of the Austrian military are to protect the country's institutions and the population's democratic freedoms, maintain internal security, and render assistance in the case of natural disasters or catastrophes. The country also has compulsory military service for male citizens above the age of 18, while female citizens can enter voluntary military service.

Austria's military history

The Great Turkish War and the 18th Century

Austria played a prominent part in the Great Turkish War, achieving a series of victories. In the 18th century, Austria was again at war with France, this time along the Grand Alliance. Despite impressive victories, such as Turin and Blenheim, and successfully crushing uprisings in Hungary and Bavaria, the French victory at Denain secured the Bourbon throne in Spain.

The Ottoman Invasions and the Austrian-Hungarian Empire

In 1716, the Ottomans invaded Austria but were defeated by the military genius Prince Eugene of Savoy, who expanded Austria to its greatest territorial extent. In the 1730s, Austrian military skill declined, and crushing defeats against the French and Ottomans led to significant territorial losses. In 1740, Prussia invaded Silesia, and Austria's defeat convinced other countries to partition it. An alliance of several countries was formed to wipe Austria from the map, but the Hungarians, led by Maria Theresa, fought back. Despite this, Prussia was able to take Silesia.

Napoleonic Wars

Austria entered the French Revolutionary Wars after France declared war on them, and although they successfully defended German territories, they suffered defeats in North Italy at the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Napoleonic Wars were unpopular in Austria, and they eventually joined the Coalition, suffering defeats and being forced to sue for peace.

Post-Napoleonic Wars to World War I

After the Napoleonic Wars, Austria enjoyed a peaceful period until 1848, when they faced two dangerous revolutions. They joined the Second Schleswig War and defeated Denmark, but their alliance with Prussia quickly broke down, and they suffered a decisive defeat. This marked the beginning of Austria's permanent military decline.

From 1867 to 1918, the Austro-Hungarian Army was the ground force of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, composed of the common army, the Austrian Landwehr, and the Hungarian Honvéd. This army saw action in the Austro-Hungarian campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Boxer Rebellion.

World War I and Interwar Years

In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, leading to Austria-Hungary's attack on Serbia. Despite technological advances, they faced experienced Serbian generals and motivated troops, resulting in a failed campaign. With German help, they repelled the Russians but became dependent on them for the rest of World War I.

After the war, from 1918 to 1921, the military was known as the Volkswehr ("People's Defence"). In 1921, it was renamed the Bundesheer ("Federal Army"), which it is still called today.

World War II and Post-War Period

During World War II, many Austrians served in the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS. In 1955, Austria declared its neutrality, committing to never joining a military alliance. The Austrian Armed Forces' main purpose since then has been protecting this neutrality.

Recent History

Austria has continued to maintain its neutrality and assist with border control. The Austrian Armed Forces have also been involved in international peacekeeping missions, humanitarian efforts, and disaster relief operations worldwide.

The Austrian Armed Forces today

The Austrian Armed Forces, or Bundesheer, is the combined military force of Austria. It consists of 16,000 active-duty personnel and 125,600 reservists, with a military budget of 1.0% of national GDP (approximately €3.317 billion in 2023). The Armed Forces are divided into the air force, land-based forces, special forces, and cyber forces.

The main constitutional tasks of the Austrian military are to protect the country's established institutions and the population's democratic freedoms, maintain order and security inside the country, and render assistance in the case of natural disasters or catastrophes of exceptional magnitude. The Austrian military also contributes to international peacekeeping missions and humanitarian or disaster relief operations.

In the case of an attack on Austrian territory, the Armed Forces are prepared to respond immediately. They also assist in controlling the influx of undocumented migrants through Austrian borders and have increasingly done so since the end of the Cold War.

The Austrian Air Force, or Luftstreitkräfte, was formed in 1955 and is tasked with defending Austrian airspace. It has three main tasks: maintaining the sovereignty of its airspace, providing reconnaissance, transport, liaison, and combat support for its ground forces, and acting in an emergency relief capacity both domestically and internationally. The Air Force has a squadron of 15 Eurofighter Typhoons and 28 Saab 105 trainers, which double as reconnaissance and close air support planes.

The Austrian Special Operations group is called the Jagdkommando. Its duties include counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency.

Compulsory military service

The Austrian Armed Forces, or Bundesheer, is the combined military force of Austria. It consists of 16,000 active-duty personnel and 125,600 reservists. The Austrian military is divided into the air force, land-based forces, special forces, and cyber forces.

Austria has compulsory military service for male citizens over the age of eighteen. Women can also join the Austrian Armed Forces but on a voluntary basis. Austrian men are required to serve for six months, after which they are eligible to be called up to active service until they turn fifty. Those who conscientiously object to serving in the military can opt for alternative public service or civilian service, which lasts nine months.

Austrian citizens with permanent residence abroad must register with their local embassy when they turn seventeen. They will not be invited to present themselves to the examination board while living abroad. However, once they move their residence to Austria, they must register with the army headquarters in their province within three weeks and will then be invited to present themselves to the examination board.

Those undertaking national service are paid, with the amount depending on the type of service. For military service, the monthly pay is €238.31, plus an allowance of €124.77. For civilian service, the basic monthly pay is €585.10. People with families can also receive financial support for housing, as well as for their partners and children. Additionally, all people undertaking national service have free travel on public transport in Austria.

Austria's defence budget

Austria's military spending has fluctuated in recent years, with a notable 13.6% decline in 2022 compared to 2021. The ratio of military expenditure to GDP decreased by 0.1 percentage points (-11.49%) in 2022 compared to the previous year.

The Austrian Armed Forces consist of 16,000 active-duty personnel and 125,600 reservists. The military's main purpose is to protect Austria's neutrality, with a limited relationship with NATO outside of the Partnership for Peace programme.

International peacekeeping missions

Austria has contributed to international peacekeeping missions since 1960, with over 100,000 Austrian soldiers and civilian helpers serving in more than 100 international peace support and humanitarian missions. The country's active participation in foreign deployments is part of the Austrian Security Strategy, which was adopted in 2013.

Austria's involvement in peacekeeping operations provides a significant and visible contribution to the United Nations' efforts to maintain peace and international security. The country's first peacekeeping mission was in 1960 when it contributed a medical unit to ONUC in the Congo. Since then, Austrian peacekeepers have been deployed to six missions, including:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea)
• Kosovo (KFOR)
• Afghanistan (ISAF)
• Georgia (EUMM)
• Democratic Republic of Congo (EUSEC)

Austria's commitment to international peacekeeping is reflected in its foreign policy, which is often described as "active neutrality." This policy offers Austria's services as a neutral country for international conflict resolution and promotes Vienna as a host city for major international conferences and organisations. Additionally, Austria has contributed trainers to other countries, such as Germany, to support their increased participation in international operations.

Austria's participation in peacekeeping operations has evolved over time, with a major change occurring in the mid-1990s. The country's accession to the European Union and the NATO Partnership for Peace program in 1995 led to increased involvement in peace operations in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and some African operations. Austria's deployments have included battalion-size forces, smaller contingents, and logistical support.

The decision-making process for contributing to peacekeeping missions involves informal negotiations between the UN or other organisations, the Austrian Foreign Ministry, and the Ministry of Defence. The deployment of contingents or individuals is then formally decided by the government and confirmed by the Parliament's Main Committee.

Austria's involvement in international peacekeeping missions has been generally supported by political parties and the public, with the enduring principle that only volunteer soldiers are sent abroad.

Frequently asked questions