Antiterror: Austria is arming itself

The budget of the Austrian Federal Government for 2022 foresees an increase in the financial framework for the Ministry of the Interior from 78.7 million euros to a total of 3.25 billion euros. This budget for the upcoming year will be used to continue the ongoing personnel and equipment offensive and to implement the planned anti-terrorism package.

"The 2022 budget brings the highest security budget in the history of the Ministry of the Interior," said Interior Minister Karl Nehammer on October 14, 2021 in Vienna. "The financial framework will be increased by 78.7 million euros to 3.25 billion euros - an increase of around 2.5 percent. In addition, 347 million euros are allocated for immigration." The security budget is the foundation for the efficient fulfillment of tasks by Austrian police officers, added the Interior Minister. "Modern equipment and facilities, combined with internationally recognized training, are the foundations for successful police work in our country." With the security budget, both the financing of the personnel offensive in the police force and all security investments are ensured, Nehammer added. "The Ministry of the Interior can recruit a total of 4,300 additional police officers by 2024." More information on the Rapid Reaction Forces in Austria .

Special Vehicles for the Cobra/DSE Special Operations Command

"The first tranche of the 120 million euro anti-terrorism package is also included in the budget," the Interior Minister continued. "Among other things, three armored vehicles of the type 'Survivor' will be procured. This will give the police a total of seven protected transporters, ensuring comprehensive secure transport of intervention forces." The vehicles are expected to be delivered by the end of 2022. "Equipping the Cobra Special Operations Command with specially protected personnel carriers is an important step in being able to act appropriately in threat situations," said the Interior Minister. "New protective helmets, ballistic vests, and impact protection equipment will also be procured for the protection of police officers." Additionally, an additional five million euros will be allocated to the anti-terrorism package to strengthen resources for cyber attack defense, Nehammer added. More information about the "Survivor" with the WEGA .

Real Estate Campaign in the Police

Another six million euros are earmarked for the real estate campaign in the police force, emphasized the Interior Minister. "Nationwide, twelve new police stations will be established next year and numerous police inspections will be renovated. In addition, six district police commands will be equipped with emergency power systems." Security is one of the values that significantly influence and shape our quality of life in a democratic society, said Nehammer. "Austria is one of the safest countries in the world. This high standard must be continuously maintained. With the security budget now presented, the financing of all forward strategies of the Ministry of the Interior is secured."

Key data at a glance

• Anti-terrorism package totaling 120 million euros, of which 60 million euros in 2022 and 30 million euros each in 2023 and 2024, to modernize the equipment and gear of the police force to adapt to new threat situations:

o More than 2,000 body impact protection equipment;
o more than 430 ballistic vests;
o around 2,250 rifles for the Rapid Reaction Forces (RRF);
o 1,320 body worn cameras;
o around 670 helmets;
o a bomb transport vehicle for the defusing service as well as
o three special vehicles "Survivor".

• Additional 5 million euros to enhance resources to strengthen resilience and cyber attack defense;

• another six million euros for a real estate campaign (planning of new buildings as well as refurbishment/renovation of existing accommodations) and

• 2.5 million euros annually for enhanced protection of women (protection from violence particularly within the family).

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR online