Austria marks its National Day with the swearing-in of 1,200 Bundesheer recruits

27 October 2026

Austria observed its National Day (Nationalfeiertag) on 26 October. About 1,200 recruits were sworn in at the Heldenplatz in Vienna in the traditional Angelobung ceremony. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen said Europe's strategic environment has changed dramatically and that everyone should help preserve peace and freedom. Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker said the Nationalrat passed the Neutralitaetsgesetz 71 years ago, and that neutrality has never meant that others provide Austria's security. He named hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, dangers to critical infrastructure and disinformation as the threats Austria faces, and said the Bundesheer will be strengthened and the Wehrdienst developed further. Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner and Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig also spoke. A wreath was laid in the crypt and there was a flypast by Eurofighter and C-130 Hercules aircraft.