Today, Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner presented her plans for the future of the Austrian Federal Army in Tyrol. Based on current threats, Minister Tanner reported on structural adjustments, the ability to conduct military operations, the importance of the militia and modern weapon systems. In addition to the investments, she also promised the modernization of the Vomp helicopter base, which had become well known in the media. Governor Anton Mattle emphasized the great importance of the partnership between the state of Tyrol and the armed forces.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “We are working on getting the Federal Army back on track – we want a modern Federal Army and have to be able to defend ourselves. The people of Tyrol can be sure that the Federal Army will continue to be there, whether after avalanches, when the power supply is threatened by snow loads or when settlements are cut off from the outside world due to other disasters such as mudslides! For example, the new hangar will make Vomp an important temporary base in the event of a disaster. On average, our helicopters are stationed in Vomp for around 26 weeks; permanent stationing from 2028 is currently being examined. So far we have been able to fully fulfill every assistance mission – the Tyroleans know that the armed forces will not let them down.”
Governor Anton Mattle thanked the Federal Army for its reliable contributions to security in the country. “The Austrian Federal Army is an essential and important partner for the Tyroleans. Not only national defense, but also the support of the civilian population in difficult situations, such as crises and disasters, depends on the operational capability of the Federal Army. I am grateful for the good cooperation in peaceful times, but also for the preparations and investments that the Austrian Armed Forces are making for an emergency that we never want to experience. The threats and challenges facing the armed forces have changed significantly in recent years, making it all the more important to respond with a comprehensive investment program. My thanks in particular go to Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner for her consistent commitment to greater security in Austria and Tyrol,” explains LH Anton Mattle. Mattle also emphasized that the military was and is an important and reliable partner in the country’s security structure and welcomed the Federal Army’s path to greater domestic security initiated by Klaudia Tanner.
After decades of investment backlog, the director of Directorate 7, Hofrat Johannes Sailer, who is responsible for infrastructure measures, was able to report on planned construction measures in Tyrol. The new construction of the military hospital in Innsbruck, renovations of the Landecker barracks or an expansion of the St. Johann army logistics center stand out as major projects among the many small and medium-sized projects.
“With the new construction of the West Medical Center, the most modern medical facility of the Austrian Armed Forces is being created in Tyrol. It will have X-rays, CT, surgery, endoscopy, ENT, dental clinic, stress and psychotraumatology, high-altitude and alpine medicine (normobaric hypoxia, simulated up to 6,000 m altitude) and a laboratory. In addition, emission-free cooling and heating of the property is implemented here. In the future, the property will be operated CO²-free using a heat pump with groundwater use and ice storage,” explains Hofrat Sailer. The self-sufficiency of barracks and sustainability considerations are reflected in the construction projects, as is the possibility of being able to offer other emergency services and emergency organizations safe havens in times of crisis.