General Ingo Gerhartz joined the German Air Force in 1985. After finishing his pilot training, he spent eight years as a fighter pilot and Operations Staff Officer. His career was marked by countless leadership assignments, inter alia, as Flying Group and Wing Commander.
In the German Federal Ministry of Defence, General Gerhartz exercised the functions of the Deputy Spokesperson, the Executive Officer to the Chief of Defence, and the Deputy Director for Strategy and Operations.
Prior to his current position, he served as Chief of the German Air Force, where he successfully concentrated his efforts on improving operational readiness. He assumed the role of COM JFC Brunssum in June 2025. In this capacity, he directs a combined NATO staff responsible for planning, preparing and conducting military operations in all five domains (Air, Land, Sea, Space & Cyberspace) throughout JFC Brunssum’s regional area of responsibility, including inter alia the Alliance’s Eastern Flank.
General Gerhartz’ service has been recognized with numerous awards, e.g., the Minuteman Award of the U.S. Air National Guard and the Chief of Staff Medal of Appreciation of Israel, reflecting his dedication and excellence in military service throughout the Alliance and beyond.
He holds a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science.