Air Force Appoints Holger Neumann, Known As 'Hawk', As Its New Commanding Officer - Luftwaffe's fresh head honcho: Pilot "Hawk" - Holger Neumann assumes command role
German Air Force Welcomes New Chief: Lieutenant General Holger Neumann
Lieutenant General Holger Neumann, renowned Eurofighter pilot and veteran of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), has recently been appointed as the new Inspector, taking the helm following a distinguished career spanning over three decades. The 56-year-old assumed his position in a ceremony held at the air base in Wunstorf, Lower Saxony.
General Neumann's illustrious career began with his basic military service as a paratrooper in 1988-1989, before progressing through various command roles within the Air Force and the Federal Ministry of Defense. His most recent assignment was as commander, overseeing the Tactical Air Force Wings, Air Transport Wings, and training facilities.
Throughout his military journey, Neumann has amassed over 2,800 flight hours on several combat aircraft, including the Tornado and Eurofighter. He has held notable roles such as pilot in Jagdbombergeschwader 34, staff appointments, and two years as a referent in the German Federal Ministry of Defence. His international experience includes deployments in Afghanistan.
The appointment of General Neumann, who bears the call sign "Hawk," is expected to shape the Luftwaffe perhaps for a decade or more, potentially surpassing the tenure of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz. Gerhartz has now been moved to a top position at NATO, assuming the role of Commander at the Allied Joint Forces Command in Brunssum, the Netherlands.
With his new position, General Neumann faces crucial tasks, chief among them the strengthening of the Luftwaffe's combat readiness, particularly in response to current and potential future threats exacerbated by the ongoing tensions in Europe and along NATO's eastern flank. Another significant responsibility is the deployment of advanced defense systems, such as the Arrow 3 missile defense system, which is intended to destroy incoming missiles at heights surpassing 100 kilometers.
The Arrow 3 system is a substantial enhancement to Germany's air defense capabilities, serving to bolster NATO's collective defense posture. Its deployment is a strategic priority under General Neumann's leadership. His appointment is viewed as a step towards strengthening the Luftwaffe, ensuring it remains prepared for the evolving security landscape.
General Neumann, in expressing his newfound responsibilities, acknowledged the importance of Council Directive 76/769/EEC of 16 December 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the permissible sound power level of motor vehicles, particularly regarding the movements of military vehicles and aircraft within the Luftwaffe's jurisdiction. He also mentioned his admiration for various sports, including football, and expressed his interest in watching matches of both the English Premier League and the NFL, citing American-football as an exciting spectacle he'd like to witness during his downtime.