In the period from May 22 to 26, 2022, the Austrian Armed Forces will increase their presence in Tyrol and Vorarlberg in particular. Due to the World Economic Forum held in Davos, airspace security is being strengthened at the request of Switzerland.

More than 1.000 soldiers and 20 aircraft, ten fixed-wing aircraft and ten helicopters ensure the safety of the event and protect the local population from dangers from the air.

"In order for major events to be able to take place at all, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the event participants as well as the local population. This both on the ground and in the air. With the airspace security operation 'Dädalus22', the Austrian air force, in cooperation with their Swiss comrades, is demonstrating the high level of competence in the implementation of this cross-border mission," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.

Flights across the state border are constantly being intensified between Austria and Switzerland as part of the further development of cooperation. These pursuit flights are made possible by the mutual granting of entry permits. Since February 1, 2019, the agreement between the Republic of Austria and the Swiss Confederation regarding cooperation in the area of ​​cross-border security of airspace against non-military threats from the air has been fully in force.

In the event of airspace violations close to the border, “cross-border operations” mutually ensure the uninterrupted observation and escort of aircraft that do not comply with international aviation guidelines. This means that aircraft can be observed, but above all that they can be handed over at an early stage between the air forces of two countries. However, the use of weapons in neighboring airspace is not permitted. Similar cross-border police cooperation has existed on the ground for years. It enables acts of persecution to be extended to neighboring national territory. Due to the proximity of Davos to the border, Switzerland requested that surveillance of Austrian airspace in the affected area be increased.