Austrian Army to Retire 750 Armoured Vehicles

April 23, 2012 defpro.com

VIENNA, Austria | As previously announced in November 2011, the Austrian Armed Forces will reduce about two thirds of its heavy equipment in the coming years. These equipments include various types of tanks, self-propelled and anti-aircraft guns.

This step is in line with reforms that will take current and future threats into account.

SAVINGS

By 2014, some 750 armoured vehicles out of the current inventory of 1,150 will be retired. The vehicles will be sold, scrapped or used as a source of spare parts.

By 2014, this is expected to generate revenues of about €17 million.

In terms of operating costs, according to expert estimates, these reductions will generate medium-and long-term savings of more than €15 million.

TYPES OF TANKS

The inventory of Kurassier tank destroyers, the M-578 armored recovery vehicles and armored personnel of the Saurer-Reihe series will be retired.

The fleet of Leopard 2 main battle tanks will be reduced by half, and a quarter of the fleet of M-109 self-propelled howitzers will remain in service.

The entire inventory of Ulan tracked armoured vehicles, Pandur wheeled armored transport vehicle and most of the recovery and engineer vehicles will be retained.

SKILLS ARE ADAPTED

The military’s operational capacity will be reduced to align capabilities with realistic operational scenarios.

As a logical consequence, the training of personnel in the affected branches of armour, artillery and air defense artillery will be adjusted.

(Unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)