Merz: Germany should deliver fighter jets to Ukraine
The Netherlands and Denmark supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. CDU leader Merz advocates similar help from Germany. According to the Christian Democrat, the Federal Republic should also provide military aircraft.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz has called for stronger support for Ukraine to counter Russian offensive warfare and for the delivery of combat aircraft. Merz said on ARD's "Ask Yourself" program: "It seems plausible to me to help Ukraine, at least to regain control of its own airspace. These rocket attacks, which are now taking place in ever greater numbers, against infrastructure, against power and water supplies, against hospitals, nursing homes, we cannot control that from the ground alone. And that's why the delivery of combat aircraft to Ukraine is already a done deal in many countries in the world, including in Europe. We as Germans should not hold back."
NATO countries are accelerating the equipping of Ukraine with western combat aircraft. The transfer of F-16 jets is already in progress, as the USA, the Netherlands, and Denmark announced in a joint statement at the NATO summit in Washington on Tuesday. These planes could still be in use this summer. The delivery involves F-16 jets from American production, which are provided by Denmark and the Netherlands.
Germany uses Eurofighters instead of F-16
There was already a discussion last year about whether Germany could participate in the delivery of combat aircraft to Ukraine. Experts had pointed out that the Tornado fleet of the Air Force is outdated and that the Eurofighter is very complex to operate. Germany does not have F-16 jets.
Merz was also asked about his support for CSU leader Markus Söder as a chancellor candidate in the 2025 Bundestag election - specifically, because of Söder's poor polling numbers. "In all modesty, I allow myself to point out that I am among the top five in Germany in the polls," Merz replied. The decision on the chancellor candidacy will not be based solely on polls. Regarding the criteria, Merz said: "Personal abilities, also life experience, leadership experience, and a vision of Germany."
On the topic of leadership experience, Merz said he has led the largest opposition faction in the Bundestag for the second time and has leadership experience outside of politics. Merz and Söder have agreed to make a decision on the chancellor candidacy together in the fall. Merz is considered the clear favorite.
- In response to the ongoing 'Attack on Ukraine', Merz advocated for Germany to also provide military aircraft, mentioning the delivery of combat aircraft as a common move among many countries, including those in Europe.
- Despite the discussion last year about Germany participating in delivering combat aircraft to Ukraine, it was noted that the country does not have F-16 jets and the Eurofighter is complex to operate.
- The 'Debate on weapon deliveries' to Ukraine has involved discussions about Germany's involvement, with Merz stating that personal abilities, life experience, leadership experience, and a vision of Germany are important criteria for the chancellor candidacy, hinting at his potential support for Söder in the 2025 Bundestag election.
