By Killian Pfeiffer

Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) signed an aviation security agreement with her Austrian counterpart Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) at the Kempinski Resort Berchtesgaden, which regulates cooperation between the two countries.

“This is important for our citizens. This enables mutual security by escorting conspicuous aircraft,” said the German Federal Minister.

Federal Minister Lambrecht has been in office for exactly one year and one day. It was a special moment in her time as Secretary of Defense. Intensive cooperation with Austria is necessary in “challenging times” in the airspace. Above all, the “terrible war of aggression by Russia” against Ukraine poses special challenges for the countries.

Rules for Renegade cases

The German-Austrian state treaty regulates the cooperation of neighboring countries in the airspace in the event of threats identified by civil aircraft and in the event of “renegade” cases. These are suspected aircraft that could be misused as a possible weapon for a terrorist attack against ground targets. The agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of information. Air sovereignty measures of an encroaching nature, such as deportation or a warning shot in the airspace of the other state, are excluded.

“Security does not come for free,” said colleague Klaudia Tanner, who relies on “cooperation based on partnership”. The two “hot pursuits” in the airspace are an important and very big step, “because the air forces of Austria and Germany ensure the safety of our citizens”. The two ministers intend to discuss security and defense policy issues at a trilateral meeting with Switzerland this weekend in Bad Reichenhall, Upper Bavaria.

Increase efficiency in training

In terms of armaments policy, they want to make progress together: future procurements should be “faster and cheaper”. The ministers also want to become more efficient in terms of training and conduct an intensive exchange, it said. “We already have hundreds of instances or we will implement them together with Germany,” announced Tanner.

The meeting at Obersalzberg was planned under high security precautions and with enormous effort. The luxury hotel of the Free State of Bavaria was inspected with explosive detection dogs. The Feldjäger, known as the military police, had goods carried along checked for explosives. Lambrecht is to spend the weekend at the Obersalzberg. She is accompanied by a large entourage of security personnel and Bundeswehr representatives.