After three days dedicated to industry professionals, the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin opened to the public over the weekend. Fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters drew crowds of visitors, with the Bundeswehr dominating large parts of the site as the exhibition’s largest single exhibitor.
Beyond the flying displays and aircraft on static show, recruitment was a prominent theme throughout the event. Careers advisers and serving personnel were on hand to discuss military careers, while visitors were given the opportunity to explore cockpits, speak with pilots and learn more about the armed forces’ expanding range of responsibilities.
Colonel Kristof Conrath, who oversaw the Bundeswehr's presence at this year's ILA, spoke to Euronews about the decision to showcase capabilities ranging from drones and the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to air defence systems.
He also discussed the role fighter jets are expected to play in an era increasingly shaped by unmanned technologies, and reflected on the significance of the German Air Force marking its 70th anniversary at this year’s exhibition.
Euronews: You are responsible for the Bundeswehr’s presence at ILA, one of Germany’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibitions. How did you end up in that role, and what considerations guide your decisions on which aircraft, systems and capabilities to put on display?
