As reported by Epicenter Works on February 10, 2025, the leaked coalition negotiation protocol between Austria’s FPÖ and ÖVP outlines a detailed plan for modernizing and rearming the Austrian Armed Forces (Österreichisches Bundesheer, ÖBH). The document specifies procurement plans, equipment upgrades, and structural reforms intended to increase military spending, enhance Austria’s self-sufficiency in arms production, and adjust the nation’s air and land defense strategy. Notably, this includes acquiring additional tanks to establish a second tank battalion alongside the existing Panzerbataillon 14, which operates 58 Leopard 2A4 tanks.
Other planned acquisitions include reconnaissance and strike drones, electronic warfare systems, satellite communications, and cyber-electronic warfare capabilities. In air defense, the FPÖ proposes withdrawing Austria from the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) to develop an independent national air defense system, whereas the ÖVP supports continued participation in ESSI. The agreement also includes infrastructure investments in barracks, maintenance facilities, and ammunition storage sites.