Austria approves military reform: basic service extended to 9 months, mandatory militia drills from 2027

Published Jul 27, 03:25 PM UTC

The Austrian government has approved a comprehensive reform of the federal army, extending basic military service from six to nine months and introducing compulsory militia drills to increase operational readiness. The decision, announced at a summer cabinet meeting near Salzburg, is justified by the changed security environment since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as rising cyber and hybrid threats. Chancellor Christian Stocker emphasized that new equipment is insufficient without adequate training. The reform requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority, meaning the three-party coalition (ÖVP, SPÖ, Neos) needs support from either the opposition FPÖ or Greens. The new rules take effect January 1, 2027. Civilian alternative service will also be adjusted, with voluntary extension from 2027 and mandatory extension from 2028 if recruitment targets are missed. Recruit compensation will rise to 1000 euros per month with added vacation days.

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