14 · MT 3/2022 SERVICE COMMENTARY Air Force – Operational, Fast and Flexible The security situation in Europe requires responsive armed forces. We proved our flexibility and responsiveness, by deploying additional Eurofighters to Romania only a few hours after the beginning of the Russian attack, and are still doing so today. We patrol NATO airspace side by side with our partners, monitor the closure of German airspace to Russian aircraft with our radar systems, perform reconnaissance flights with our ECR Tornados over the Baltic Sea, and refuel allied combat aircraft with our A400M and A330 of the MMU at Eindhoven. In Slovakia, our ground-based air defense forces also make an important contribution to the security of the Alliance on NATO’s eastern flank. Our Future – Modern, Interoperable and Multinational Our security is based on credible deterrence. Precisely for this reason, the decision in favour of the F-35 is logical. By procuring the most powerful combat aircraft in the world, we will implement the modernisation of our Air Force even faster and more consistently. Thus, we will cooperate even more closely with the other F-35 nations in Europe, and in the Alliance, in terms of training, logistics and operations. Common weapon systems are the best basis for interoperability. In addition to the introduction of the F-35, we will enable our Eurofighter for electronic combat in cooperation with industry. State-of-the-art technology is required to survive in current and future scenarios. Besides the replacement of our Tornado fleet, other priorities, such as the heavy transport helicopter, short-range and very short-range air defence system, territorial missile defence and the Next-Generation Weapon System have already been defined, and rapid decisions have been announced. A unique commentary for MilTech on the occasion of the ILA 2022 Berlin Air Show, from Generalleutnant Ingo Gerhartz, Inspector of the German Air Force since 2018. All over Europe, we are currently experiencing a turning point in history. We are deeply appalled by the brutality of Russia’s invasion and the horrible pictures of the suffering of the Ukrainian population fighting for independence and democracy. The failure of the conquest of Kiev, the fighting in urban areas, the massive employment of cruise missiles, drones, MANPADS and anti-tank rockets, the importance of logistics, morale and combat power and, last but not least, the tactical skills of small units – all these aspects will have to be analysed. Since the beginning of the second phase, the war has been characterised by a strategy of attrition pursued with great brutality, and the interaction of artillery, tanks and infantry. The importance of airpower has been evident in all phases since the beginning of the war. Despite the massive superiority in numbers and the use of stateof-the-art fighter jets by the Russian Air Force, the striking power of the Ukrainian air defence, and the bravery and determination of the Ukrainian pilots, are already defining elements of this war. As a matter of fact, the most pressing question for us is: to what extent does the war in Ukraine not only shape our future but – above all – our present as well? And further: what are the consequences of how are we going to apply airpower within NATO, especially with regard to the future of European security? Air Force - Ready to Take Responsibility The return of the war of aggression in Europe clearly shows that the very same core qualities that have always characterised air forces will continue to be required in the future, in order to meet the challenges arising at this turning point. War in Ukraine – The Role and Importance of Air Forces German and American aircraft training side by side in the Blue Flag exercise. (Photo: Bundeswehr)
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