US fighter jet crashes in Germany
An American F-16 fighter jet crashed and its pilot ejected to safety near the city of Trier in western Germany on Tuesday, the German air force told AFP.
The airman was 'recovered with minor injuries' after crashing during a 'routine training mission', the US Air Force base at nearby Spangdahlem confirmed in a statement.
Local police said they rushed to the scene of the crash near the village of Zemmer after receiving multiple emergency calls around 3:15 pm local time (1315 GMT).
Authorities blocked off a large zone around the crash site including several roads, the police statement added, urging drivers to avoid the area.
Germany is no stranger to military aircraft crashes, including in its own shortage-plagued Bundeswehr armed forces.
In June this year, two of the air force's Eurofighter jets crashed after colliding in mid-air in northeastern Germany. One of the pilots was killed, while the other ejected to safety.
Less than a week later, a helicopter pilot died when his aircraft crashed near an army training centre.
The last American military crash in Germany was in 2015, when one of the Spangdahlem base's F-16 fighters went down in northern Bavaria.
In that incident, the pilot survived after ejecting from the plane.
More from Defence Notes
-
![How the Pentagon will use private capital to fund critical capabilities]()
How the Pentagon will use private capital to fund critical capabilities
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
-
![HAL is major beneficiary of latest Indian procurement approvals]()
HAL is major beneficiary of latest Indian procurement approvals
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
-
![Why cybersecurity must be a priority for Latin American militaries]()
Why cybersecurity must be a priority for Latin American militaries
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
-
![MBDA navigates supply chain pressures amidst increased demand for armaments]()
MBDA navigates supply chain pressures amidst increased demand for armaments
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
-
![Why UK defence still faces an uncertain future and difficult decisions]()
Why UK defence still faces an uncertain future and difficult decisions
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
