Fire in the Department of Defense: Green accusations against aircraft purchase!

Fire in the Department of Defense: Green accusations against aircraft purchase!

On May 20, 2025, National Councilor Stögmüller from the Greens raised his allegations to purchase the 'Leonardo' aircraft in a press conference. However, these allegations were rejected immediately by Friedrich Ofenauer, the military spokesman for the People's Party. Ofenauer described the statements of Stögmüller as baseless and a campaign without substance. He referred to the ongoing internal revision of the Ministry of Defense, which confirmed that the aircraft purchase was properly.

The purchase of the 'Leonardo' aircraft is founded as factually justified and necessary. Ofenauer also emphasized the relevance of the Bundesmeeres structure plan, which justifies the purchase. Contract negotiations for the procurement are still underway, which increases the excitement around Stögmüller's statements.

political context

Ofenauer asks Stögmüller to take responsibility and actively work for the security of the country. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and the People's Party see their goal in ensuring Austria's security. This topic is particularly relevant because the defense spending in Europe is very important.

A study by EY and Dekabank shows that European NATO countries invest 72 billion euros in armor every year. These expenses create or secure around 680,000 jobs. An increase in defense spending to 3 percent would generate an additional 65 billion euros per year, which could benefit a further 660,000 jobs.

economic impulses through defense investments

In addition, the study underlines that an increase in armor expenditure is also expected in the event of an armistice in Ukraine. Research and development in this sector benefit from positive spillover effects into other industries. Every euro that flows into defense generates around twice as high economic activities. The planned investments in armaments goods over the next six years are 72 billion euros annually.

These developments signal that increased investment in defense can promote not only military security, but also economic stability in Europe. In view of the high importance of defense spending, numerous politicians demand sustainable and transparent decisions to strengthen security and labor market.

Further information on the 'Leonardo' aircraft are available on Milak.at . The discussion about defense investments remains up to date until the final clarification of the contract negotiations and the political disputes.

The comprehensive analysis of the defense spending and their economic effects can be found in the study by EY at EY.com .

For more details on the conference of Stögmüller and the subsequent reactions, please visit ots.at.