Rapid reaction force

Austria expands its cyber defense

The "Cyber Rapid Response Team" is intended to detect, analyze and fend off cyber attacks at any location.(Bild: KI-generiert – Thanakrit – stock.adobe.com)

Austria is expanding its cyber defense capabilities. During the meeting of defense ministers in Brussels, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) signed the PESCO project "Cyber Rapid Response Team" (CRRT) initiated by Vilnius together with Lithuania and Latvia.

"In 2023, Austria already committed itself to working more closely with international partners in the field of cyber defense. By signing the PESCO project in the cyber area, we are taking the next step and creating synergies and sharpening cross-border cooperation," said Tanner

The Austrian Armed Forces, which will be investing around 40 million euros in the cyber sector over the next four years, is thus not only strengthening its cyber response capabilities within Austria, but also within the EU. The European cyber project is specifically designed for rapid response and prevention against cyber threats.

"Extended arm of the cyber forces"
The "Cyber Rapid Response Team" is a team of cyber specialists whose task is to detect, analyze and defend against cyber attacks at any location. It secures traces of attacks, provides in-depth expertise and takes measures to respond appropriately to threats and attacks. The cyber response team thus represents an extended arm of the cyber forces and makes a significant contribution to cyber defense.

The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is intended, among other things, to strengthen interoperability between EU member states in the defence sector, optimize EU operations, synchronize national army structures and implement joint armament projects.