A successor for the Saab 105 might be coming after all
Austria considers procurement of new training jets after two years.
More than two years ago, Austria phased out its Saab 105 fleet. To this day, there is no successor, as Austrian politicians have irresponsibly and systematically starved the armed forces of funding for decades. But now, the Ministry of Defense has made a surprising statement.
In December 2020, the last Saab 105s were decommissioned after more than half a century of service. Although politicians had many years to procure a successor, nothing happened.
Since then, Austrian airspace surveillance and security has been in the hands of 15 Eurofighters, which former SPÖ Defense Minister Norbert Darabos, in his controversial comparison, described as “technically neutered.” According to a report by the Court of Auditors, Austria would need at least 75 interceptor aircraft for airspace defense in a crisis.
In an interview with the Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, the Austrian Defense Minister stated that she “assumes” a “decision in favor of new training jets” will be made. However, when such a decision will be made, which type it will be, and how many aircraft will potentially be ordered, remains uncertain.
Source: Austrian Wings, 27 February 2023
Photo: Saab 105 taking off at Hörsching Air Base. (Photo by Austrian Wings Media Crew)
Editor: Luccia Gatti (©XAirForces Defense Aviation and SCI New Technologies Editor from Italy)
