Austrian Eurofighter Typhoons on duty for NATO’s Defence Ministers meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia

The Austrian Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoons were significantly involved in air policing missions during meetings of NATO’s Defence Ministers held in Bratislava, Slovakia, on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 October 2009.

The air policing over the meetings in Slovakia was another demonstration of the interoperability of the Typhoon with NATO assets and as the centre to European air defence. The Austrian Typhoon's role was to collaborate with the Slovakian Air Force to protect the air space from any possible threat including "slow movers" such as helicopters and light aircraft which are difficult to track with conventional assets.

As stated by the Austrian Ministry for Defence “The support of these aircraft ensures the best possible protection of participants and the local population against air threats”. It would not be possible to carry out such events without adequate airspace surveillance.

Austria has recently taken delivery of the last of its 15 ordered Eurofighter Typhoons and the aircraft already plays an important part in monitoring Austria’s airspace.

Even though the Eurofighter system is still in its introductory phase in Austria, it has already clocked up more than 1100 flight hours and performed around 1300 flights. A total of 26 “alpha priority” missions have already been flown by the Austria Air Force’s Typhoon this year.

Since entering into service, the Eurofighter jets have lived up to all expectations and are successfully helping to protect the British, Germany, Italian, Spanish and Austrian air spaces. The Austrian Air Force has previously used the Eurofighter Typhoon during the 2008 European Football Championships and the World Economic Forum in Davos.