Two days in a row, aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force appeared in Austrian airspace, prompting the Austrian military to scramble Eurofighter jets to identify the planes.
Two Incidents Within 24 Hours
Austria’s air force carried out identification missions on both Sunday and Monday. According to the Austrian Armed Forces, the operations were triggered by two U.S. Air Force PC-12 aircraft detected in Austrian airspace. Military spokesperson Michael Bauer said the planes on Sunday did not have the required overflight authorization. Eurofighter jets were then deployed and made contact with the aircraft.
Sunday’s incident took place over Upper Austria, near the Totes Gebirge mountain range. After being intercepted by Austrian fighter jets, the U.S. aircraft reportedly changed course and continued toward Munich, Bauer said. A nearly identical operation occurred on Monday, when Eurofighters were again launched to identify two aircraft. It was initially unclear whether the planes had the necessary authorization on that occasion.
Diplomatic Clarification Expected
It remains unclear what consequences the incidents may have. According to the Austrian military, possible violations of airspace regulations will be addressed through diplomatic channels. The aircraft involved were PC-12 planes manufactured by Swiss company Pilatus Aircraft. The U.S. Air Force primarily uses the aircraft for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. They are also used by special operations units for communications and transport purposes.
