“Ukraine – the situation”
Security expert Mölling: Delivery of western combat aircraft will not lead to escalation
Lockheed Martin F-16 (left) and Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets
© Imago Images
In the debate about fighter jets, security expert Christian Mölling is not worried that the delivery will lead to an escalation of the conflict. He is certain that the discussion will also gain momentum in Germany.
The security expert Christian Mölling sees no danger that the delivery of western combat aircraft to the Ukraine leads to an escalation of the conflict. Mölling emphasized on Tuesday in star-Podcast “Ukraine – the situation” that Ukraine already has combat aircraft. It’s not about delivering weapons of a completely new quality, but about “stamina” in the fight against the Russian aggressor. “A lot of trouble could have been saved here if the whole topic had been hung much lower,” said the research director of the German Society for Foreign Relations. He welcomed the fact that Denmark and the Netherlands have pledged several dozen F-16 aircraft.
However, they would not be ready in time for Ukraine’s current offensive. “When they are there, they are helpful. However, they will not change anything in the current fighting situation,” said Mölling. Aircraft are also complex systems with high costs for operation, maintenance and training. On a positive note, the commitment shows “that some states are able to think beyond the present day.” He called securing Ukraine a “permanent task for the coming decades”.
Mölling: The debate about Taurus deliveries will intensify again
According to Mölling, the effectiveness of the aircraft depends “very much on what you put on the pilot’s hand and under his wings”. One possible armament would be the Taurus cruise missile, the delivery of which has been discussed in Germany for weeks. Even after Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that every day counts, Mölling does not expect an immediate decision. He said Baerbock’s testimony abused her leeway within the federal government. “She can still go as far as expressing her wish for what should actually happen,” said Mölling.
So far, the connection between Ukraine’s constant ability to defend itself and the loss of human life has rarely been highlighted in the public debate. “I can imagine that the debate on this question will intensify again, because this connection is also recognized in principle by the federal government,” he said. Mölling recalled the debate about the delivery of battle tanks, in which Baerbock’s insistence had led to tensions with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.