A declaration by the Austrian Defence Lab
Austria must become capable of comprehensive defence
‘Austria is committed to comprehensive national defence’, states Article 9a of our Federal Constitution. The conditions for this have changed fundamentally: Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, together with growing acts of sabotage, disinformation campaigns and attempts at intimidation, threatens Europe. Austria, too, has long been a target of such activities. Western intelligence services and military leaders consider a direct confrontation with Russia realistic in the near future.
Whether in the Austrian Armed Forces, in our intelligence services and the police, in civil protection organisations or in the Austrian economy: day after day, people work for our security. They deserve support, clear political direction and swiftly implemented reforms. Comprehensive security requires joint action by politics, public administration, business, academia, civil society and the population. We must hope for the best – and be prepared for the worst.
We, the signatories of this declaration, are convinced:
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Austria’s military must become capable of defence without delay.
This requires rapidly deployable, well-equipped and thoroughly trained soldiers, as well as sufficient ammunition and reserves. It calls for effective military service and a ready militia. At the same time, the military must consistently keep pace with technological change, as artificial intelligence, drones and cyber capabilities are fundamentally transforming warfare. The Aufbauplan 2032 was a decisive first step towards the necessary rearmament and further development of the Austrian Armed Forces. What is needed now are ambitious interim targets for 2027 and 2029 and a clear perspective up to 2040, backed by a binding, long-term budget path.
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Austria must clarify its place in Europe’s security architecture.
This requires a serious, society-wide and open-ended debate on neutrality, our EU mutual assistance obligation, NATO and a possible European Defence Union. The yardstick is the protection of our population and our institutions, and our contribution to Europe’s security.
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Austria must strengthen military cooperation in Europe.
This includes closer cooperation with friendly armed forces, intelligence services and defence industries, as well as the ability to work smoothly with partners as early as a period of tension. Austria must also prepare to make an effective contribution to mutual assistance within the EU.
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Austria must make its intelligence services more capable of action.
They need effective powers to take active measures against hybrid attacks – including in cyberspace and the information space – and against those who support them. It is unacceptable that even exposed spies can recruit agents in Austria largely unhindered. An espionage law alone is not enough: Austria needs domestic and foreign intelligence services with real powers of enforcement.
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Austria must be a reliable defence-industrial partner.
Our industry and specialised companies are needed for Europe’s rearmament and can generate strong growth from it. To realise this potential, companies and financial institutions need clear rules and long-term financing instruments. Defence cooperation and exports under a modern, EU-compatible export regime strengthen our security and that of our partners.
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Austria must protect its population comprehensively.
Shelters must be ready for use, critical infrastructure protected and vital supply chains secured. In a crisis, state preparedness and targeted incentives must ensure security and supplies, strengthen social cohesion and enable meaningful participation.
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Austria must renew its psychological national defence.
Resilience against disinformation and influence operations begins in schools, the media and families. An informed population capable of sound judgement, which identifies with our democracy and the rule of law and stands up for them, is the first line of defence.
Our European partners are warning, planning, training and preparing their societies. Austria must not fall behind. We want to conduct this debate openly and on the basis of facts – for the strategic capacity to act of Austria and Europe.
Vienna, 26 October 2026