Neumann becomes the new Inspector General of the Air Force: promoted to Lieutenant General!

Neumann becomes the new Inspector General of the Air Force: promoted to Lieutenant General!

Major General Holger Neumann becomes the new Air Force Inspector. This decision was announced on May 28, 2025 and marks the change of Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, who will in future head the Allied Joint Force Command in Brunssum. Neumann, who will be promoted to lieutenant general, has been the favorite for the post for several weeks and brings with him extensive military experience.

The 56-year-old was previously responsible as commander of the Air Force's Flying Units. In this position, which he has held since September 2022, he leads around 14,000 soldiers. Neumann had previously headed the Luftwaffe command in Berlin for three years, where he had considerable responsibility in the management of the air force.

Military career and achievements

Holger Neumann began his military career in 1988 as a military conscript with the Paratrooper Battalion 253. He has completed extensive training as a pilot and has over 2,800 flying hours on various aircraft types. He also gained international experience as a staff officer and deputy commodore in Mazar-e Sharif, which underlines his qualifications for the new role.

Neumann is taking over the office at a time when the Air Force has to overcome numerous challenges. His predecessor, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, was inspector for more than seven years and during this time initiated important exercises such as Air Defender and participation in the Indo-Pacific Deployment. Gerhartz was also criticized in the context of a wiretapping affair in February 2024, but only received a disciplinary fine from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and was promoted to general.

Future challenges and goals

In his new role, Neumann will significantly influence the strategic direction of the Air Force and be responsible for its further development. Given the dynamic security policy situation in Europe, his leadership qualities and experience are of great importance. The focus on operational operations and international cooperation will certainly play a central role.

The strategic decisions Neumann will make as inspector are also likely to influence the Air Force's future role within NATO, particularly within the framework of the European security architecture. The Allied Joint Force Command in Brunssum will continue to play a key role in NATO operations under Gerhartz's command.

Further information about Holger Neumann and his appointment is also available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Defense. [Authorities Spiegel] reports that the Luftwaffe could potentially usher in a new era under his leadership, while [BMVg] examines Neumann's personnel career in detail.