Security Overflights Provided For 41st World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland

Mission "DAEDALUS 11", which ran from January 27th to the 30th, demanded intensive air surveillance and security for the 41st World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. For this mission, the Austrian Typhoons were called on to protect the skies during a high-profile event.

Typhoon File Photo

Around 2,500 participants were expected to attend the Forum, including high ranking politicians from all over the world as well as international economic experts. Austria's Typhoons operated from the Air Base in Zeltweg, Styria and secured the area over Tyrol and Vorarlberg, States that are on the border to Switzerland and close to Davos. The Austrian pilots involved in "DAEDALUS 11" performed functions similar to NORAD, with orders to intercept, escort, or force to land any unauthorized aircraft trying to enter the protected air space during the event. The Austrian Air Force also benefits financially from the mission, as it serves as a realistic training scenario.

The Austrian Air Force has been in high demand for air surveillance missions in the surrounding areas - ranging from protecting the skies above the European Football Championships in 2008 in Austria and Switzerland to air policing over NATO's Defence Ministers meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia in 2009.

FMI: www.bmlv.gv.at/english/forces/airforce.shtml