A recent survey reveals a significant majority of German citizens oppose the immediate interception and destruction of Russian fighter jets violating NATO airspace. Conducted by the market and opinion research institute Forsa for “Stern” and RTL Deutschland, the poll, based on telephone interviews with 1,001 individuals on September 25th and 26th, indicates that 67 percent of respondents are against such an action. Approximately 24 percent expressed support for a swift and forceful defensive response, while 9 percent offered no opinion.
The survey data reveals diverging perspectives across demographic groups. Men (30 percent) and voters aligned with the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) (35 percent) are comparatively more inclined to favor an immediate shoot-down. Conversely, women (71 percent) display the strongest opposition, as do supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Alternative for Germany (AfD), both at 70 percent. Voters affiliated with the Left party registered the highest level of disapproval, with 70 percent against a quick response.
The survey was conducted amid ongoing debate concerning appropriate responses to recent incursions into NATO airspace by Russian fighter aircraft. Recent weeks have seen several such incidents, prompting discussions regarding the balance between defensive measures and preventative escalation. These conversations have included viewpoints ranging from proposals for immediate interception, as suggested by former US President Donald Trump, to cautions regarding hasty reactions, voiced by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD.