Austria's defence Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP), according to the daily newspaper "press" check whether there is a gap in the defense of the air space again with the Swiss fighter jets closed in. The failure is caused by the phasing out of the Saab 105 aircraft of the Austrian armed forces.

Austria prior to the delivery of the Eurofighter to 2008, for four years, twelve leased American F5 Tiger Jets from the Swiss air force in use. This was Austria at that time, 75 million euros. Whether it's this time again F5 could be the part since the 1970s in the service, was open Tanner. Switzerland also has a more modern F/A-18 Jets, these are likely to come in use, but probably too expensive.

Tanner said in the "press"-Interview, that you have led with the Swiss Minister of defence Viola Amherd, a very detailed conversation about a bridging solution. Now going to talk with the Swiss colleagues on a technical level. How it's supposed to go with the air-space monitoring in the longer term, wants Tanner to decide until the middle of the year.

Regarding the aerial surveillance referred to Tanner on preparatory work by two detailed reports from two commissions. "I have instructed the General staff to expand both of these reports, particularly through additional financing options," said Tanner.

Airbus in criticism

In terms of Eurofighter is not completed according to the Minister, the examination whether a civil legal action against Airbus would now make sense. The aircraft manufacturer Airbus has admitted, according to an Austrian media report that "political contributions" in the framework of the Eurofighter-business with Austria is made. In plain text, the bribes are meant to be.

According to the Austrian news magazine "Profil", the claims to court documents from the USA available, has paid for the air travel group and "his seller" for the Eurofighter sale to Austria of around 55 million euros in grants, fees or commissions", offered or accepted".

in Total, Airbus had made payments to 14 individuals, consultants or organisations, which would need to be reported, is it according to "profile" in the court documents. (aru/sda)

Created: 03.03.2020, 23:24 PM