Austria Scrambles Jets Over US Special Ops Aircraft

The Austrian Air Force scrambled two Eurofighter jets to identify and escort US Special Operations aircraft.

According to a spokesperson for the Austrian Ministry of Defense, the jets were launched after two US Air Force PC-12 planes flew through Austrian airspace on May 13, 2026, at 12:31.

The military version of these aircraft, the U-28A Draco, is used by the US Air Force Special Operations Command for transport, tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and forward air control, as well as counterinsurgency missions.

Austria has officially banned US military planes involved in the conflict with Iran from using its airspace.

Official Vienna has rejected all US requests to allow flights as part of the military campaign in the Middle East.

Overall, Austria has become the third European Union country to impose such restrictions on the US Operation Epic Fury. Italy and Spain previously made similar decisions. In addition, Switzerland, which traditionally does not allow flights involved in military operations, has also announced a ban.