Armed forces launch airspace surveillance exercise in Styria
Monday 21st September 2026 on 11:30 in
Austria
Austria’s armed forces have begun a large airspace surveillance exercise in eastern Austria, according to ORF. The operation involves Eurofighter jets, drones and air defence systems.
About 500 people are taking part. The exercise is based on a fictional threat from military drones approaching from the east.
Brigadier Roman Hofer, head of airspace surveillance in the Austrian armed forces, said the exercise was intended to practise protecting Austria’s eastern border and conducting air operations in the hinterland.
He stressed that the scenario was entirely fictional and designed solely for training purposes.
The exercise is taking place in Lower Austria, Burgenland and Styria. In Styria, activities will focus particularly on the Fürstenfeld, Hartberg and Weiz districts, as well as the area around Zeltweg.
Military aircraft will take off and land more frequently than usual around Zeltweg. Residents may hear the aircraft involved, including three Eurofighters from Zeltweg and PC-7 aircraft. Drone flights, wheeled vehicles and radar equipment will also be used in the exercise area.
Hofer said there would be no major troop movements in southeastern Styria, so no significant traffic disruption was expected. The air force exercise is scheduled to continue until Friday.