Austrian Air Force

The Austrian Air Force, officially known as the Luftstreitkräfte, is the aerial warfare branch of the Austrian Armed Forces. Established on March 31, 1955, following the Austrian State Treaty that ended the country's occupation by Allied forces after World War II, the Air Force was initially formed with a focus on defense and support missions. Its primary objectives include securing Austrian airspace, performing air surveillance, conducting air defense operations, and supporting civil authorities during times of crisis. The Air Force operates a fleet consisting mainly of helicopters, transport aircraft, and trainer jets. Notably, Austria does not possess any combat aircraft. The Luftstreitkräfte also engages in international peacekeeping missions and provides assistance during humanitarian operations, both domestically and abroad, when required. Additionally, the Air Force plays a crucial role in Austria's national security strategy, ensuring the defense and sovereignty of the country's airspace.

Key facts

Official Name Austrian Air Force
Local Name Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte
Country🇦🇹 Austria
World rank#70
Active aircrafts107 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order33
Roundel

Roundel of Austria air force

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type Active
Helicopters 63
Training 18
Combat aircrafts 15
Transport 11

Aircrafts most used by Austrian air forces

Aircraft Active Type
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" 23
American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
SA316 Alouette III 21
French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles.
Typhoon 15
European multirole fighter, renowned for service in multinational military operations since late 20th century, noted for superior air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities.
PC-7 Turbo Trainer 12
Swiss-made turbo trainer, distinguished by service in over 30 air forces, dating back to the late 1970s.
206 JetRanger 10
American light helicopter, well known for civilian, military, emergency medical services, and offshore oil support roles since the 1960s.
UH-60 Black Hawk 9
American utility helicopter, renowned for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, extensively employed for troop transport and medical evacuation.
PC-6 Porter 8
Swiss light utility aircraft, renowned for its versatility and ruggedness, extensively utilized in remote areas for cargo transport and search and rescue missions.
AW169 6
Italian multi-purpose helicopter, notably deployed for emergency medical services, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations since the 2010s.
C-130 Hercules 3
American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.

Full inventory in 2024

Austrian Air Force

Aircraft Type Model Active Ordered
Combat aircrafts Eurofighter
Helicopters S-70A/UH-60M
Bell 212
SA316
OH-58
AW169M
Training AW169M
PC-7
Transport PC-6
C-130K