Austria’s army tests drone defence in largest exercise of second half
Monday 7th September 2026 on 06:00 in
Austria
Austria’s armed forces have begun their largest exercise of the second half of 2026, deploying 1,500 soldiers, seven helicopters and 10 drones in Carinthia over the next two weeks, ORF reports.
The exercise, called “Jagdkampf 26”, is testing how drones, helicopters and ground troops can operate together. It is the first time the armed forces have practised this combination on such a scale, said Maximilian Steingassner, chief of staff of the 7th Infantry Brigade.
“It is another important exercise for our Mission Forward, so that we can continue to develop,” Steingassner said. The aim is to test new procedures and equipment rather than repeat established practices.
The exercise also includes the first use of engineer boats on the Drau river to transport troops. The armed forces currently have 315 Magni-X reconnaissance drones. Exercise drones are being used to practise operations involving larger numbers of aircraft.
Because the simultaneous use of helicopters and drones can create a risk, their operations must be coordinated in time and space. The exercise is also testing electronic warfare methods to prevent soldiers from being detected by drones.
No drones will be shot down because the exercise is taking place in a civilian environment. Instead, troops will practise technically correct jamming procedures, including identifying where drones are and deliberately forcing them to land.
The participants are conscripts from across Austria, including Amstetten, Villach, Klagenfurt and St. Michael. They joined the 7th Infantry Brigade in April. The exercise begins at the Marwiesen military training area near Feistritz, from where the soldiers will travel on foot at night towards Bleiburg.
The soldiers will spend two weeks outdoors without fixed accommodation while trying to remain undetected by drones. During the second week in Bleiburg, they will carry out assigned missions.
GPS sensors will track the soldiers’ positions so that headquarters can assess their actions. The participants will also receive daily feedback. Training will continue through September 18.
The armed forces have asked residents for understanding about possible disruption caused by helicopter flights.