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Eurofighters celebrate their triumphant return to Wittmund after 3 years!
On July 18, 2025, the first Eurofighters returned to Wittmund, after an absence of over three years and extensive modernization.
Eurofighters celebrate their triumphant return to Wittmund after 3 years!
Today, July 18, 2025, the air base in Wittmund celebrated a significant comeback. After an absence of more than three years, six Eurofighters from Tactical Air Force Squadron 71 “Richthofen” returned to their home base. The jets flew over the base in impressive groups of three and a V formation before landing gently on the modernized tarmac. Colonel Björn Andersen, commodore of the squadron, underlined the great burden that this absence placed on everyone involved, especially the families. During the time away from the home airfield, the Eurofighters secured German airspace, which involved a considerable effort in 10,000 flight hours and a total commute of five million kilometers, reports Aerobuzz.
With the return of the first Eurofighters, flight operations in Wittmund are scheduled to resume in August 2025. Including 950 soldiers and civilian employees who are also returning to their home base, the Air Force's comeback is a successful step towards a modern air force base. The Eurofighter 31+07, which is decorated with a special “Back again” livery, becomes a symbol of this return.
Extensive renovations and modernizations
The airfield in Wittmund has been extensively modernized since 2019. According to reports, the renovation measures include the complete renovation of the three-kilometer-long runway, which alone cost 155 million euros. In addition, the lighting systems, runways and aircraft shelters were given a new light. The total cost of the modernization project is estimated at around 774 million euros, and the work is expected to last until the 2030s daily news reported.
Wittmund will be considered the “most modern military airport in Germany” after all construction work has been completed. Deputy Squadron Commodore Sebastian Fiedler stated that all 35 of the squadron's Eurofighters will be based in Wittmund again by the end of 2026. The northern QRA Alert Squad (Quick Reaction Alert) will also actively secure air sovereignty from here.
Historical review
Wittmundhafen Air Base has a long history that goes back over 100 years and originally began with airships. The return of the Eurofighters is a significant moment not only for the Air Force, but also for the region, which is now looking forward to a new era of military presence. While the Eurofighters were temporarily relocated to TLG 73 “Steinhoff” in Laage, this was a challenge for everyone involved. Now that the modernizations have largely been completed, Wittmund can concentrate again on its role as one of the four Eurofighter locations in Germany NDR notes.