Austrian Eurofighter jets intercepted US military aircraft twice in two days after they entered Austrian airspace without authorization, according to media reports published Tuesday (May 12).

The incidents involved two US Air Force PC-12 aircraft, turboprop models typically utilized for surveillance and intelligence missions. According to the Austrian daily Kurier, air-policing alerts were triggered on Sunday (May 10) and Monday (May 11) because the planes entered sovereign airspace without the required military transit permits.

Michael Bauer, a spokesperson for the Austrian Ministry of Defense, stated that two Eurofighters were scrambled at 12:31 PM local time on Monday to identify the unauthorized flights. Following the interception, the US military aircraft reportedly landed in Munich, Germany.

Bauer noted that the same aircraft had been spotted over Upper Austria on Sunday, prompting the first deployment of fighter jets. He added that the matter would be addressed through diplomatic channels.

Austria has significantly tightened surveillance of its airspace in recent months. Last month, the country cited its neutrality laws to justify banning US military aircraft involved in operations against Iran from using its airspace.

Commenting on the incident via social media, Austrian Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler wrote, "The people of Austria want nothing to do with Donald Trump’s politics of chaos and his wars."

He further emphasized, "Neutrality is a precious asset of our country. Say no to war."
Source: Anadolu Agency