Army launches airspace surveillance exercise over eastern Austria

Austria’s armed forces have begun a large-scale airspace surveillance exercise across parts of Lower Austria, Styria and Burgenland, ORF reported. Three Eurofighters, air defence guns and several drones are involved, along with about 500 personnel.

The exercise, called “Cavemen Allegory 2026”, is being conducted by the Airspace Surveillance Formation and will run from Monday to Friday. Around 150 participants will be deployed in the Pinkafeld area, which is the exercise’s main focus.

The drill centres on national defence and protection of Austria’s state border, including defence against drones. It includes a simulation of protecting a fictional airfield.

In addition to Eurofighters and drones, the forces will use ground-based air defence systems, including 35-millimetre twin anti-aircraft guns and Mistral guided missiles.