VIENNA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Austrian Armed Forces have launched a large-scale exercise in the eastern state of Burgenland to strengthen their capabilities to counter potential drone threats and protect critical infrastructure, state broadcaster ORF reported on Thursday.
A drone defense system has been deployed at Pinkafeld Airport in Burgenland as part of the exercise. The system was designed to detect electromagnetic radiation of aircraft and interfere with their control capabilities. A sector jammer has also been used to prevent drones from approaching protected areas.
About 300 Austrian soldiers took part in the exercise, with activities conducted in the regions of Pinkafeld, Wiesfleck and Riedlingsdorf, the report said.
The exercise came as European countries seek to strengthen protection for critical infrastructure amid changing security challenges. The Austrian Armed Forces said the activities were intended to improve operational readiness and enhance their ability to respond to evolving threat scenarios.
Austria has been increasing investment in military capabilities. The Austrian Armed Forces planned to invest up to 17 billion euros (19.38 billion U.S. dollars) in the modernization of equipment and the expansion of training and exercises, with the aim of strengthening the country's defense capabilities and contributing to the broader security efforts in Europe, the report added. ■