Austria | Domestic weapons industry has shrunk, but successful in niches

In addition to Mozart, the country can have some others Artistic “weapons” show. But which military weapons are (still) produced in Austria? Who benefits from the current upswing of the armaments industry?

Heavy device

A little more than 30 years ago, Austria still had some companies that also produced larger combat units. Steyr Daimler Puch produced the hunting armor Kukassier or the wheel armor Pandur. Until 1989, the scandalumed Noricum in the Styrian Liezen made artillery guns. Arges’ hand grenades in Schwanenstadt were also exported all over the world.

Some of the old locations are still being produced today, but in the service of new owners. Steyr Daimler Puch Special Vehicle AG was taken over by General Dynamics (USA) in 2003. Arges have been part of Rheinmetall since 2005.

The once large ammunition manufacturer Hirtenberger sold his “Defense” division to HDT Global (Hungary) in 2019-and with his name.

Light firearms

Steyr Arms has only recently not been in Austrian hands. Earlier known as Steyr Mannlich, the company with the Steyr Aug (formerly StG 77) has an export hit in its program. The assault rifle with unmistakable form is used by a variety of armies. In 2007 the company in need of renovation was taken over by SMH GmbH in Vienna. Steyr Arms has been part of the Czech investment group RSBC since April 2024. Production remains in the Ramingtal on the border between Upper and Lower Austria. Around 200 people work for Steyr Arms.

The country’s largest arms producer is Glock. The company, based in Ferlach, Carinthia, produces pistols. His products clearly have the International biggest sales success. Finally, the business ran a little weaker, there were savings in the staff. Around 1,800 employees are employed at the two domestic locations in Deutsch-Wagram (Lower Austria) and Ferlach.

Since the death of her husband and company founder Gaston Glock 2023, Kathrin Glock has held the company’s reins.

In addition to Glock and Steyr Arms, there are even smaller firearm manufacturers, such as Madritsch weapon technology from Villach. The company produces military storm and precision rifles.

With military technology there are still a number of other domestic companies that are internationally successful. The Ulbricht from Schwanenstadt (Upper Austria) should be emphasized here. It is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of combat helmets. Drones from sliding are also popular abroad. They are a good example of dual-use goods that can be used both militarily and civil. There are many more in Austria. D. Kotrba