Austria's military budget cut would have a negative impact on the operational capacity of the Austrian army, the army chief said Friday.
Edmund Entacher, chief of Defence Staff of Austrian armed forces Bundesheer, said the funding available for army operation, construction and procurement would be reduced by 8.9 percent.
The budget cut, caused by falling tax revenues and increasing social spending amid economic crisis, could affect the army's delivery ability and the capability of quick dispatch, he told Austrian radio Oe1.
The number of the Austrian army soldiers participating in international operations would also be reduced from the current 1,400 to 1,100 this year, he said.
Meanwhile, the budget cut would "significantly" affect many of the army's investment plans, he said.
Even important tasks like the expansion and modification of the helicopter unit could only be hoped to be carried out, he said.
The army has to simply give up some other plans, including replacing the old type "Saab-105" aircraft, he noted.
According to official statistics released earlier this week, Austria's budget deficits would rise from 0.4 percent in 2008 to 3.5 percent in 2009 and 4.7 percent in 2010. Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Josef Proell has called on all departments to "tighten their belts" to tackle the crisis.
Source: Xinhua
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