U.S. Air Force Special Operations Aircraft Accused Of Austrian Airspace Incursion
The War Zone • • world
Key Points:
- Austria scrambled Eurofighter Typhoons on two consecutive days to intercept U.S. Air Force PC-12 aircraft, likely U-28A Draco ISR planes, which entered Austrian airspace without authorization.
- On May 10 and 11, Austrian fighters intercepted the aircraft near Upper Austria, with one incident confirmed as a Priority A intercept, the highest alert level for Quick Reaction Alert forces.
- The U-28A Draco, a militarized Pilatus PC-12, is equipped with advanced electro-optical, infrared, and signals intelligence sensors, supporting special operations with real-time surveillance and data sharing.
- Austria, a neutral country outside NATO, strictly polices its airspace, and similar unauthorized U.S. military overflights have occurred before, including a notable 2002 incident involving F-117 stealth fighters.
- The incidents highlight the ongoing operational use of U-28A aircraft in Europe and the complexities of airspace transit agreements between the U.S. military and neutral European states.