Introduction
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Austria, like many other European countries, is seeking to modernize its army and increase its defense budget. In 2024, Austria awarded defense contracts to Israeli companies valued at several hundred million euros.[1]Military Leak, Elbit Systems Awarded $300 Million Contract to Supply Armored Vehicle Systems to Austrian Army, 20.02.2024[2]Army Recognition, Elbit Systems to supply Crossbow Unmanned Turreted 120mm Soft Recoil Mortar Systems to Austria, 10.05.2024[3]Flight Global, Dutch and Austrian C-390s to get Elbit self-protection boost, 10.12.2024 In February 2025 Austria announced it will increase its defense expenditures to 2% of the country’s GDP annually and will take part in the European Sky Shield Initiative[4]Defense News, Austria sticks to Euro Sky Shield under moderate coalition government, 28.02.2025, in which it plans to spend €4 billion on the acquisition of long-range air defense missiles by 2028. Israeli systems are among the options being considered for this procurement.[5]Brussels Signal, Neutral Austria to buy €4 billion worth of long-range missiles, says defence minister, 13.05.2025
Austria-Israel relations
Israel and Austria have had full diplomatic relations since 1949. Austria has an embassy in Tel Aviv and 3 honorary consulates, while Israel has an embassy in Vienna.[6]Wikipedia Austria–Israel relations Austria joined the European Union in 1995. While Austria is not a NATO member, it joined its Partnership for Peace program in 1995. The two countries keep friendly relations, with some tense periods rooted in Austria’s Nazi-era legacy. While Kurt Waldheim, who was accused of war crimes during WWII, was elected as Austria’s president, diplomatic relations were downgraded.[7]Wikipedia Austria–Israel relations Another tense period began in 2000. Following the inclusion of the far-right Freedom Party in the government, Israel withdrew its ambassador to Austria in protest. In 2004, Israel normalized the relationship and returned the ambassador.[8]Haaretz, Israeli Ambassador Returns to Austria, 06.02.2004
Since the election of Sebastian Kurz as Austrian chancellor in 2017, relations have warmed, marked by increased bilateral diplomatic visits.[9]Embassy of Israel in Vienna, Bilateral relations, 29.07.2024[10]The Times of Israel, Is a Netanyahu-Kurz bromance responsible for Austria’s new direction on Israel?, 29.06.2020 After leaving office, Kurz co-founded the cybersecurity firm Dream with Shalev Hulio, the former CEO of Israeli spyware company NSO Group.[11]Reuters, Austrian ex-chancellor Kurz’s cybersecurity firm says reaches $1 billion valuation, 17.02.2025
In November 2018 Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Austria in the first Israeli PM visit since 1997.[12]The Times of Israel, Netanyahu to visit Vienna, a first for an Israeli premier in 20 years, 07.11.2018 Earlier that year, Netanyahu met Kurz at the UN, signaling a move to end Israel’s boycott of Kurz’s coalition partner, the far-right Freedom Party.[13]The Times of Israel, Netanyahu hails ties with Austria after meeting with Kurz, 27.09.2018
In March 2021 Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi visited Austria in order to brief Austrian leaders on the Iranian threat and to rally opposition to the International Criminal Court’s decision to probe alleged war crimes by Israel.[14]Times of Israel, Visiting Austria, Rivlin warns of dangers of ignoring rising extremism, 18.03.2021
The Israel Space Agency and the Austrian Space Forum conducted a joint experiment in 2021 to simulate life on Mars.[15]The Times of Israel, Astronauts ‘touch down’ in Negev’s Ramon Crater after mission to ‘Mars’, 01.11.2021
During his visit to Israel in July 2022, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer signed an agreement for collaboration with Israel on security, cyber matters, health and pandemic response, tourism, climate crisis action, trade and more.[16]The Times of Israel, Lapid, visiting Austrian chancellor sign strategic partnership, discuss Iran threat, 12.07.2022[17]Bundesministerium Bildung, Kooperation Bilateral, Israel: Strategische Partnerschaft, 2022
Austria-Israel Economic Relations
Austrian exports to Israel in 2024 were valued at $583 Million,[18]Trading Economics, Austria Exports to Israel, May 2025 while Israeli exports to Austria in 2023 were $78 Million.[19]Trading Economics, Israel Exports to Austria, May 2025 Israel is an important tourist market for Austria with 1 million hotel night stays for Israelis in Austria in 2022.[20]The Jerusalem Post, Austria looks to attract Israeli tourists, 13.02.2023
As part of the EU’s research and innovation framework programs, there are collaborations between Austrian and Israeli companies, including arms companies like Elta, IAI and Tadiran (subsidiary of Elbit).[21]Haaretz, Between the East’s Pocket and the West’s Budgets, 16.10.2006
Military and Security Relations
Austria and Israel have deepened their military and security ties in recent years, particularly in arms procurement and cyber cooperation. Austria has repeatedly turned to Israeli firms, primarily Elbit Systems, for weapon systems, radars, and electronic warfare technologies.[22]Globes, Elbit Systems wins €25m order from Austrian Army, 18.05.2009 The cooperation expanded further following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Austria allocating major defense contracts to Israeli companies[23]Militaer Aktuell, New investments in the AB212 helicopters planned, 03.01.2024[24]Military Leak, Elbit Systems Awarded $300 Million Contract to Supply Armored Vehicle Systems to Austrian Army, 20.02.2024[25]Army Recognition, Elbit Systems to supply Crossbow Unmanned Turreted 120mm Soft Recoil Mortar Systems to Austria, 10.05.2024[26]Israel Defense, Elbit Systems to Sell Weapons Stations to Austria, 24.01.2018[27]Flight Global, Dutch and Austrian C-390s to get Elbit self-protection boost, 10.12.2024 and considering Israeli systems for long-range missile defense.[28]Brussels Signal, Neutral Austria to buy €4 billion worth of long-range missiles, says defence minister, 13.05.2025
At the same time, cyber collaboration has grown, with Austrian public-private delegations visiting Israeli cyber firms[29]Austrian Israeli Chamber of Commerce, Delegation trip to the “Cyber Week” Conference in Tel Aviv, June 2019, both countries participating together in a cyber drill[30]Press TV, Austrians protest government cooperation with Israel in cyber drills, 04.08.2020 and Israeli cyber technologies were allegedly purchased by the Austrian government.[31]Haaretz, Israeli Spyware Firm Paragon Cuts Italy’s Access After Journalists Targeted, 06.02.2025[32]Privacy International, Surveillance Company Cellebrite Finds a New Exploit: Spying on Asylum Seekers, 03.04.2019 It is interesting to note that two former chancellors of Austria have invested in Israeli cyber companies.[33]Globes, Israeli rail cybersecurity co Cylus raises $12m, 06.06.2019[34]Reuters, Austrian ex-chancellor Kurz’s cybersecurity firm says reaches $1 billion valuation, 17.02.2025
1982: Elli Levy was assigned the role of the first IDF attache to Austria.[35]Hebrew Wikipedia, Elli Levy
1992: Tadiran won a $15 Million tender to supply the Austrian Army with Radios.[36]Maariv, Tadiran Won a Tender to Sell Radios to the Austrian Army, 28.01.1992. Archived by the The National Library of Israel[37]Globes, Tadiran Communications, Alcatel to Joint Bid on European Defense Tenders, 13.01.1997
2000: Elbit Systems purchased the defence activities of Alcatel Austria and established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Austria called ESL Advanced Information Technology GmbH (ESLAIT). The subsidiary was awarded a $10 million contract by the Austrian Ministry of Defense for the supply of Artillery Command and Control systems for the Austrian Army.[38]Flight Global, Elbit buys into Europe, 25.01.2000[39]Globes, Elbit Systems Establishes a Subsidiary in Austria, 20.01.2000
2009: Elbit won a €25 million contract from the Austrian Army for unmanned electrically remote controlled weapon stations that will be integrated into IVECO Defence Vehicles’ Light Multi-role Vehicles (LMV) 4X4.[40]Globes, Elbit Systems wins €25m order from Austrian Army, 18.05.2009
2014: Astronautics C.A. Israel fitted various systems in C-130H Hercules transporters in Austria.[41]Israel Defense, Israeli Fingerprints (Hebrew Version), 09.12.2014[42]Israel Defense, Israeli Fingerprints, 22.02.2015
2018: Elbit, through ESLAIT, was awarded a contract to supply the Austrian Army with new WS4 Panther remotely operated weapon system.[43]Israel Defense, Elbit Systems to Sell Weapons Stations to Austria, 24.01.2018
2021: Austrian Army received PPE PGSR-3i Beagle Radar, a licenced variant of Elbit Systems’ Foxtrack radars built in Hungary[44]Militaer Aktuell, Ground monitoring radar: Beagle systems for ÖBH, 06.10.2021, following a 3.2M euro contract for procurement of 10 radars.[45]Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense and Sport, Information & Public Relations Balance Sheet
December 2023: Universal Avionics, a US-subsidiary of Elbit, completed initial flight tests in Austria of its interactive Flight Management System (i-FMS), in collaboration with Elbit and using the company’s mission computers. The tests were run on an Austrian government-owned helicopter[46]Universal Avionics, Universal Avionics completes first test flight of interactive Flight Management System, 05.12.2023 and were done as a part of planned investments to upgrade Austria’s AB212 helicopters fleet.[47]Militaer Aktuell, New investments in the AB212 helicopters planned, 03.01.2024
February 2024: Elbit was awarded a $300 million contract to supply weapon, reconnaissance, driving, and situational awareness systems for approximately 230 armored vehicles to the Austrian Army.[48]Military Leak, Elbit Systems Awarded $300 Million Contract to Supply Armored Vehicle Systems to Austrian Army, 20.02.2024[49]Israel Defense, Elbit to Supply $300 Million Armored Vehicle Systems to a European Customer, 20.02.2024
April 2024: The Swiss army tested the Israeli company SmartShooter’s fire control system in a demonstration intended for the Austrian Army as well.[50]Israel Defense, Swiss Army Tests Smartshooter’s SMASH Fire Control System, 15.04.2024 This demonstration follows another test of the system by the Dutch Army that took part in 2021 in the Austrian mountains.[51]Israel Defense, Dutch Army tests Smart Shooter’s SMASH solution in Austrian mountains, 17.02.2021
May 2024: Elbit won a $53 million contract to supply Austria with Crossbow Unmanned Turreted 120mm Soft Recoil Mortar Systems to be installed on Pandur 6×6 APC wheeled armored vehicles.[52]Army Recognition, Elbit Systems to supply Crossbow Unmanned Turreted 120mm Soft Recoil Mortar Systems to Austria, 10.05.2024[53]Janes, FMS 2024: Austria confirmed as first Crossbow turreted mortar customer, 31.10.2024
October 2024: The Austrian army acquired 9 LITENING-V pods systems from Rafael to integrate in Eurofighter aircraft.[54]European Security and Defense, Austria’s fighter dilemma, 30.10.2024[55]Militaer Aktuell, Austrian Armed Forces: Jet pilot training costs 17 million over two years, 20.02.2025
December 2024: Elbit won a contract to supply Austria with electronic warfare and self-protection equipment for its for C-390 Millennium aircraft.[56]Flight Global, Dutch and Austrian C-390s to get Elbit self-protection boost, 10.12.2024
Also in 2024, Epsilor, Israeli developer and manufacturer of batteries for defense vehicles, said its Li-Ion 6T batteries are used by operators in Austria.[57]Israel Defense, Epsilor Unveils New NATO 6T Battery at EUROSATORY 2024, 15.04.2024
July 2024: Factory of ESL Advanced Information Technology (ESLAIT), Elbit’s Austrian Subsidiary, was damaged by an activist group, Palestine Action Austria. [58]The Jerusalem Post, New Austrian anti-Israel vandal group damages factory, 17.07.2024
July 2025: The Austrian military purchased 315 Magni-X quadcopter drones, produced by Elbit Systems, with deliveries planned to begin the next month. The new drones are intended to be distributed among all Austrian Armed Forces battalions and used for combat-level reconnaissance.[59]Aviation Week, Austria Buys Elbit’s Magni-X Quadcopter For Army, 28.07.2025[60]Israel Defense, Austrian Army to Acquire Elbit’s 315 Magni-X Tactical Reconnaissance Drones, 11.08.2025
July 2026: Austria’s Vienna police used mobile anti-ram vehicle barriers from the Israeli Mifram in a festival in Vienna.[61]Heute, Polizei setzt beim Donauinselfest auf Spezialsperren, 03.07.2026[62]Kurier, Donauinselfest: Wiener Polizei setzt auf Anti-Terror-Sperren aus Israel, 03.07.2026
Cyber
Cyberbit, a subsidiary of Elbit, was reported to have operations in Austria as early as 2017.[63]Israel Defense, Cyberbit Opens New Office in Germany, 04.10.2017
2018: The Austrian cabinet agreed on a bill to allow the authorities to seize phones of asylum seekers and search them.[64]BBC, Europe migrants: Austria to seize migrants’ phones in asylum clampdown, 20.04.2018 In other European countries it was revealed that the surveillance technology used to investigate asylum seekers was UFED system, developed by the Israeli firm Cellebrite.[65]Privacy International, Surveillance Company Cellebrite Finds a New Exploit: Spying on Asylum Seekers, 03.04.2019
2019: Former Austrian Chancellor and former Austrian Federal Railways CEO Christian Kern invested in the Israeli cybersecurity startup Cylus.[66]Globes, Israeli rail cybersecurity co Cylus raises $12m, 06.06.2019
June 2019: An Austrian delegation, with members from five federal ministries visited Israel to attend the Cyber Week Tel Aviv conference and visit Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).[67]Austrian Israeli Chamber of Commerce, Delegation trip to the “Cyber Week” Conference in Tel Aviv, June 2019
December 2019: A joint Austrian-Israeli cyber conference was held in Vienna with the participation of seniors from both countries’ public and private spheres.[68]Austrian Israeli Chamber of Commerce, AUSTRIA-ISRAEL COOPERATION: FOSTERING NATIONAL CYBER ECOSYSTEMS, 03.12.2019
ِAugust 2020: The Austrian and Israel Armies, alongside German and Swiss forces, were cooperating in cyber maneuvers.[69]Press TV, Austrians protest government cooperation with Israel in cyber drills, 04.08.2020
2021: XM Cyber company, whose president is Tamir Pardo, former head of the Israeli Mossad, cooperated with icosvad.de in an attempt to enter the DACH market, including Austria.[70]Israel Defense, Pardo aims to expand cyber business to France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, 24.06.2021
2021: The Citizen Lab revealed the Israeli Candiru spyware was likely used against Austrian targets. Their report found a domain impersonating the Austrian Institute for International Affairs.[71]The Citizen Lab, Hooking Candiru, 15.07.2021
February 2025: The cybersecurity firm Dream, founded by former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz together with Shalev Hulio, the former CEO of Israeli spyware firm NSO Group, reached a $1 billion valuation. The firm holds offices in Tel Aviv, Vienna and Abu Dhabi.[72]Reuters, Austrian ex-chancellor Kurz’s cybersecurity firm says reaches $1 billion valuation, 17.02.2025
February 2025: WhatsApp claimed to find targets of Paragon’s spyware, Graphite, with Austrian prefixes. This declaration was in response to findings of the spyware’s use against civil society activists in Italy.[73]BBC, Spyware firm cuts Italy access after alleged targeting of activists – reports, 06.02.2025 According to Haaretz newspaper, Paragon is known to work in Austria.[74]Haaretz, Israeli Spyware Firm Paragon Cuts Italy’s Access After Journalists Targeted, 06.02.2025
Joint drills
Blue Flag 2015 – biannual drill hosted by the Israel Air Force (IAF) and monitored by officers and attaches from 34 countries, including Austria, Britain, Canada and France.[75]Defense News, Israel Concludes Multinational Blue Flag Drill, 29.10.2015
March 2022: Austria and Israel participated side by side in an international aerial exercise hosted by Greece.[76]Times of Israel, Israeli jets to join large international drill in Greece; Saudi, Kuwait to observe, 20.03.2022