Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, the Chief of the German Air Force since 2018, has dedicated his career to advancing Germany’s air defense capabilities. With a background that includes over 3,000 flying hours in various aircraft such as the F-4F, MIG-29, Tornado, and Eurofighter, and significant combat experience, Gerhartz brings a wealth of expertise to his role. His commitment to continuous improvement led him to earn a master’s degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, applying his studies to enhance the operational readiness of the Luftwaffe. In this dynamic interview, he shares his insights on the significance of NATO Days for Germany, strategic objectives of the alliance, and the latest technological advancements. Discover how the German Air Force is preparing for modern threats and the message it brings to this year’s NATO Days in Ostrava.
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- Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, the Chief of the German Air Force
Lieutenant General Gerhartz, can you share your perspective on the importance of NATO Days for Germany this year, especially being the partner country?
NATO Days are an essential platform for demonstrating solidarity and cooperation among member nations. For Germany, being the partner country this year is a significant honor and a testament to our commitment to the alliance. Therefore, we will have a large footprint at Ostrava, including A400M, Eurofighter, Tornado, C-130, H-145M, and A330 tanker aircraft. Most of them are scheduled for dynamic displays demonstrating their unique capabilities. We are also planning an overflight with one of our most modern government aircraft, the A350 dubbed “German Air Force 1.” However, our exhibition will not be limited to airpower. The Bundeswehr will also bring various armored vehicles such as Leopard II and Panzerhaubitze 2000, as well as medical capabilities, including an airmobile medical unit. Ostrava provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our capabilities, engage with the public, and reinforce the importance of collective defense. Events like these help to strengthen the bonds between NATO members and enhance mutual understanding. I’m really looking forward to this year’s NATO Days!
What are the key strategic objectives you aim to highlight during NATO Days? How do these align with the broader goals of NATO and Germany’s defense policies?
During NATO Days, we aim to highlight our commitment to collective defense, the modernization of our forces, and our contributions to NATO missions. Our footprint showcases our efforts to enhance our operational readiness, our investment in new technologies, and our engagement in fostering stronger international partnerships. We have seen that common training and exercises among allies can have a strong impact beyond NATO borders. Large-scale exercises, such as the German AIR DEFENDER 2023 and this year’s NATO TIGER MEET, summoned between 100 and 200 military aircraft, underlining our cohesion. The Czech Air Force has been a strong contributor to German-led exercises over the last decades, sending either Gripen aircraft or providing airspace for training purposes. However, our commitment must not be limited to NATO territory. Together with France and Spain, we conducted the most challenging and complex deployment. With PACIFIC SKIES, we aim to prove that European Air Power is able to deploy on a global scale and effectively exercise with like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment consisted of 5 exercises: ARCTIC DEFENDER in Alaska, NIPPON SKIES in Japan, PITCH BLACK in Australia, RIMPAC on Hawaii, TARANG SHAKTI. The German led ARCTIC DEFENDER put together more than 70 aircraft to train joint combat missions in a highly contested environment including very low flying utilizing the largest combat training range in the world. So for Ostrava, we are sending a clear message: European Air Power is in good shape!
In your view, what are the most significant technological advancements the German Air Force has achieved recently? How do these advancements contribute to NATO’s overall capabilities?
The special funding of 100 billion euros enables us to modernize our armed forces on a scale and at a velocity we have never seen before. By September this year, we will declare the initial operational capability of our first IRIS-T SLM system. Developed in Europe with European expertise, we will have an effective and already combat-proven air defense system, allowing us to fight drones and cruise missiles. Next year, the first components of the Arrow Weapons System will be operated by the German Air Force. Supplemented by a space-based missile detection asset, early warning and effective defense against ballistic missiles attacking allied territory from far distances will be significantly enhanced. Further, we will start training on the F-35 by 2026, allowing us to fly the first mission from German soil the following year. Simultaneously, we will enhance our heavy lift capability. With a total of 60 CH-47 Chinooks, the German Air Force will operate the second largest fleet within NATO, making significant progress in the air mobility of NATO land forces. With a total of 53 A400Ms, we will significantly improve European strategic airlift capacity, essential for rapid deployment wherever and whenever needed. Integrated into European and NATO Airpower, the German Air Force will remain at the forefront of technological innovation and operational effectiveness!
Could you elaborate on the initiatives taken to enhance interoperability between NATO member air forces? What role does Germany play in fostering collaborative defense efforts?
Interoperability is crucial for the success of NATO operations. Germany actively participates in various joint exercises, training programs, and collaborative missions to enhance interoperability. We also contribute to NATO’s standardization efforts, ensuring that our systems and procedures are compatible with those of our allies. Germany’s role in fostering collaborative defense efforts includes leading multinational initiatives such as the European Air Transport Command and the Multinational Multi-Role Transport Tanker Fleet (MMF). However, with our Plug & Fight Concept for German, British, Spanish, and Italian Eurofighters, we have achieved groundbreaking success in terms of interoperability. Step by step, we have managed to mutually support first-line and even second-line maintenance of this complex weapon system. Today, for example, Spanish aircraft mechanics are certified to change aircraft engines of German Eurofighters and vice-versa. Interoperability is not limited to ground operations. Mixed air policing formations in the Baltics have become business as usual for us nowadays. We have clearly proven that we can operate seamlessly with our allies in any operational scenario!
The FCAS project is a crucial aspect of future air defense. Can you provide insights into the progress of this initiative and its expected impact on NATO’s air power?
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is a key initiative that will revolutionize our capabilities. The project is progressing well, with significant milestones achieved in design, development, and collaboration among partner nations. FCAS will integrate advanced manned and unmanned systems, leveraging artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies to enhance situational awareness, decision-making, and operational effectiveness. For example, the German aircraft industry presented a wingman concept at this year’s ILA exhibition in Berlin. The fighter-type drone that will be commanded by a pilot in a 6th generation fighter can take on high-risk missions that would pose a bigger threat to manned-only aircraft. For NATO, FCAS represents a leap forward in air power, ensuring that we maintain a strategic edge in an increasingly complex threat environment. Our multinational deployment PACIFIC SKIES is conducted by the three FCAS nations Germany, Spain, and France, symbolizing our ongoing commitment to this complex but groundbreaking project.
What are the primary challenges faced by the German Air Force in adapting to modern threats? How is the force evolving to address these challenges effectively?
Modern threats are increasingly diverse and complex, ranging from cyber-attacks to sophisticated missile systems. One primary challenge is maintaining technological superiority in the face of rapidly evolving threats. For example, we have seen that one drone has the potential to penetrate defenses and destroy its target, emphasizing the need for effective countermeasures. The IRIS-T SLM System will provide robust protection against a variety of drones. Due to its open architecture, the system provides great flexibility to adapt itself against future threats such as the integration of long-range interceptors. However, airpower must not be limited to defensive means. Therefore, the German Air Force must be prepared to dissuade any potential opponent from taking offensive action against our homeland. Space has become crucial for Europe’s safety and security, with satellites playing a vital role in ensuring reliable long-distance communications and providing positioning, navigation, and timing services. Taking out even a small number of satellites by military means would not only have a severe impact on our military security but also on our economy. Therefore, the German Air Force must also prepare to actively protect our satellites and deter others from using force against our space applications. However, it is not all about modernizing our equipment. Additionally, we are focusing on improving our personnel training and readiness to ensure that our forces are prepared to meet any challenge effectively. Continuous innovation and adaptability are key to our strategy in addressing these evolving threats.
By: Katerina Urbanova
Photo credit: Luftwaffe, Christian Timmig, Hildemann,
