Well Protected in the New Bomb-Proof Suits

The Federal Ministry of the Interior continues to make targeted investments in the protection of police officers and special forces. On July 23, 2026, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner presented eight new bomb disposal suits to the bomb disposal unit of the Special Forces Directorate/EKO Cobra.

The new protective gear replaces the suits previously in use, whose manufacturer-guaranteed protection has expired after years of service. “Bomb disposal experts work under the most difficult and dangerous conditions to ensure the safety and protection of our population. Modern protective gear is therefore vital, especially for this specialized field,” says Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.

22 bomb disposal experts for round-the-clock operations involving explosives

Across Austria, the defusing of explosive and incendiary devices is the responsibility of the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Special Forces Directorate/EKO Cobra. The special unit has 22 bomb disposal experts nationwide, distributed among the locations of Vienna, Graz, and Hall in Tyrol.

They are supported by a nationwide network of 107 Explosives Expert Units (SKO) as well as 63 explosive detection dogs, which quickly take initial measures and assess the situation in cases of suspicion. The development of this efficient and comprehensive system began as early as the late 1960s.

Multi-Year Specialized Training

Working as an explosives disposal technician is one of the most demanding specializations within the police force. The foundation is laid by approximately one year of training to become an explosives expert. This is followed by multi-stage bomb disposal training, which is completed, among other places, at the Federal Bomb Disposal School in Germany and supplemented by extensive practical training with the Austrian Bomb Disposal Service. The specialized training to become a bomb disposal expert takes about two years at the earliest.

Safety is the top priority—protective suits weigh over 30 kilograms

Before approaching any suspicious object, an initial assessment is conducted from a safe distance—for example, using a remote-controlled manipulator, a drone, or optical aids. Only when absolutely necessary does a bomb disposal expert approach the danger zone while wearing a bomb disposal suit.

The protective suit weighs about 33 kilograms and consists of a jacket, pants, abdominal protection, and a helmet. It combines Kevlar and Nomex fabrics with modern ballistic protection materials and shields against blast pressure, shrapnel, heat, the effects of shock waves, and impact forces. Integrated radio technology enables continuous communication. A control unit on the forearm allows the operator to control the air supply, lighting, and other parameters.

Investment in the Protection of Special Forces

The Federal Ministry of the Interior invested approximately 482,000 euros in the procurement of the eight new bomb-disposal suits—each suit costs about 60,000 euros. The new protective suits were distributed among the three locations of the bomb disposal unit in Vienna, Graz, and Hall in Tyrol and are available for operations throughout Austria.