The German Air Force is embarking on a radical expansion plan, spearheaded by new Inspector General Holger Neumann, aiming to significantly bolster its capabilities and commitment to NATO. Neumann’s vision, detailed in an interview with “Der Spiegel”, outlines a sweeping recruitment drive, projecting an increase of approximately 21,000 personnel by 2035 across air and space-focused roles. This represents a staggering 70% increase from the current force of roughly 29,000.
Beyond sheer numbers, Neumann emphasized a fundamental shift in the Air Force’s operational mindset. He asserted the need to align the force “for victory” in a potential conflict, demanding significant investment in a wide array of assets. These include advanced fighter jets, unmanned aerial systems, transport and tanker aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, air defense systems, command centers, sophisticated sensors and crucial space-based infrastructure. Neumann expressly highlighted an ambition to address existing deficits and fill critical gaps, positioning the Luftwaffe as a consistently reliable NATO partner.
A core element of this strategic overhaul revolves around the acquisition of “deep precision strike” capabilities – long-range weaponry capable of precisely targeting enemy infrastructure deep within adversary territory. Neumann frames these systems as vital for establishing a “credible conventional deterrence” arguing that the potential to strike at an aggressor’s core territory, short of nuclear escalation, represents a powerfully dissuasive factor.
While several European nations are actively pursuing joint development of such advanced weaponry, Neumann acknowledged the timeline for operational deployment. He controversially suggested the interim procurement of U.S.-manufactured Tomahawk cruise missiles as “sensible” from a military perspective. This stance, likely to spark debate within German political circles and raise questions about the extent of reliance on the United States, underscores the pressing nature of Germany’s perceived need to enhance its defensive posture within the evolving geopolitical landscape. The plan’s ambition and reliance on potentially contentious acquisitions present a significant challenge to the German government, demanding careful consideration of budgetary implications and the broader implications for transatlantic relations.