Heads of state expect significant growth at the military airport

Leadersin Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg Anticipate Major Growth at Holzdorf Military Airport

Top officials from Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg have high expectations for the growth of Holzdorf's military airport, envisioning it drawing over 1,000 new residents. At a recent joint cabinet meeting in Holzdorf, Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) stated they anticipate anywhere from 1,000 to 1,200 new inhabitants. Saxony-Anhalt's leader, Reiner Haseloff, added that they might even surpass this figure.

Haseloff emphasized the necessity of promoting the broader area as part of the airport's expansion. Funding ought to be directed towards enhancing the infrastructure within a 50-kilometer radius. Moreover, improvements should be made to municipal, social, educational, and medical sectors, as well as upgrading the Holzdorf train station, modernizing the Falkenberg-Jüterbog line, and constructing a bypass around Holzdorf at an efficient pace.

Woidke's Comments

Woidke acknowledged that a significant number of employees would likely continue commuting to the site. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that up to 40% of the additional 700 workers could potentially settle in the region. He encouraged regional mayors to plan housing developments to accommodate and welcome these potential new residents. However, he acknowledged that not all new employees would necessarily relocate, mainly because the German military frequently transfers personnel between locations.

Haseloff's Perspective

Haseloff further emphasized the importance of securing hospital locations within an attractive region. He made it clear that the expansion of the military airport represented a critical turning point for NATO and its security. Additionally, he noted that the region had historically lacked significant investments.

The Vision for Holzdorf

The Holzdorf military airport, divided between Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, is intended to transform into one of Germany's primary military bases. The German government has plans to acquire the Arrow 3 air defense system from Israel to neutralize incoming missiles at high altitudes. Moreover, the base will become home to 47 of 60 of the Bundeswehr's new heavy transport helicopters, with the first deliveries expected in 2027. Presently, approximately 1,800 individuals work on the military site, and the planned investment totals up to 700 million euros. Additionally, 700 military and civilian personnel are expected to join the team working at the site in the near future.

Expansion Plans and Outcomes

To understand the vision for Holzdorf's military airport, it's helpful to explore its plans, including infrastructure developments and anticipated impacts.

Plans and Initiatives

1. The Arrow 3 Missile Defense System:
2. 2025 Initial Capability: Construction of the Israeli-made Arrow 3 system commenced at Holzdorf airbase, with the goal of achieving initial capability by 2025 and full operational readiness by 2030.
3. Closing Air Defense Gaps: The system aims to destroy incoming missiles at elevations of up to 100 kilometers, enhancing Germany's air defense capabilities in the wake of Cold War dismantled systems.
4. European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI):
5. Strengthening European Defense: Germany collaborates with the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), an effort to develop a robust European air defense system. The initiative involves integrating various national capabilities.
6. Infrastructure Developments:
7. Holzdorf Air Base Expansion: Completion of the Holzdorf expansion is anticipated in 2028, including the installation of fire control units and other critical infrastructure required for the Arrow 3 system.
8. Additional Locations: Basic documentation for potential northern locations is underway, with construction planning to follow. The south has yet to finalize any locations.

Anticipated Impacts

1. Economic Growth and Employment:
2. The expansion is likely to create job opportunities in the region, both directly and indirectly through related industries, contributing to local economic growth.
3. Enhanced Defense Capabilities:
4. Integrating the Arrow 3 system into Germany's air defense network will substantially increase the country's ability to counter missile threats, ensuring national security and strengthening NATO's defense posture.
5. Contribution to NATO Defense and Security:
6. Holzdorf's expansion will bolster Germany's contribution to NATO's defense by offering a robust air defense system, enhancing the alliance's collective defense capabilities.
7. Infrastructure Modernization:
8. The project will modernize the existing infrastructure at Holzdorf air base, potentially setting a precedent for subsequent military base upgrades while benefiting civilian aviation and aerospace industries in the region.

In summary, the expansion of Holzdorf's military airport aims to bolster Germany's air defense capabilities, contribute to NATO's defense posture, and spur local economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development.