Support for the abolition of mandatory military service in Austria is in decline, a new poll has shown.Vienna-based agency Karmasin found only 41 per cent of Austrians oppose the current six-month obligatory service, down from 48 per cent in July.The agency, which spoke to around 500 Austrians for political magazine profil, further found that 44 […]
The Peoples Party (ÖVP) has suggested the Austrian army should be able to pick only the best young Austrians to serve the mandatory six-month service.ÖVP Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger and the partys Interior Minister Maria Fekter said today (Fri) they wanted to give the army the right to call up only the 10,000 most-skilled of […]
Leading Social Democrats (SPÖ) have spoken out in favour of a referendum about conscription in what is regarded as a sensational U-turn on the issue.SPÖ Vienna Mayor Michael Häupl suggested yesterday (Mon) people should decide on whether young Austrians should still have to serve in the army. Around 25,000 men aged 18 or 19 receive […]
A statement by Social Democratic (SPÖ) Defence Minister Norbert Darabos has fuelled speculations Austria would contribute in more international peace-keeping missions in the future.Looking back on 50 years of international engagement, the minister said today (Weds) he “cannot rule out” Austria will participate in peace-keeping missions in Africa. Austrian troops were sent to Chad in […]
A fighter jet was damaged during landing yesterday (Weds) as the runway was slippery after a heavy rainfall.Officials at the army base in Zeltweg, Styria, said today the Eurofighter pilot had to use the jets parachute to create a braking effect. Its bottom panel and engine were damaged in the landing procedure, they added.Austrian army […]