Aircraft Model Eurofighter, previously stationed at Rostock-Laage, makes its way back to East Friesland. - Jet from Rostock-Laage returns to East Friesland, marking its arrival in the east
After a three-year absence, the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of the German Luftwaffe's Air Wing 71 "Richthofen" have returned to Wittmund Air Base in Lower Saxony. The move, which was publicly marked on July 17, 2025, signifies a significant moment for the unit as they reclaim their home base following a temporary relocation to Rostock-Laage Air Base.
This return is part of a broader relocation and modernization effort involving the reactivation and reopening of Wittmund Air Base. The base, which had seen reduced activity, is now set to become a significant operational site for the Luftwaffe once again. The Eurofighters now based there are likely to benefit from facility upgrades and enhanced infrastructure aligned with modern operational needs.
The squadron celebrated this return in a symbolic fashion, with a special paint scheme adorning the Eurofighters to honour the reopening of the base and pay tribute to its rich historical legacy as a Luftwaffe station. This move represents a cultural and operational revitalization tied to Wittmund’s renewed role.
Air Wing 71 "Richthofen," a prestigious unit of the Luftwaffe, is thus continuing its mission with updated Eurofighter assets stationed once again at Wittmund. This move underscores the Luftwaffe’s commitment to maintaining a modern and strategically positioned air defense posture.
The return flight was a formation flight on the newly renovated runway at Wittmund. Wing Commander Colonel Bjoern Andersen landed one of the first Eurofighters upon their return, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the unit.
The renovation and modernization of the Wittmund airport began in 2019 and are expected to continue until 2032, when the airbase is slated to become the most modern military airport in Germany. The cost of renovating the three-kilometer-long runway alone is estimated at around 155 million euros, with a total investment of around 774 million euros planned for the project.
The Wittmund airport and runway are currently undergoing comprehensive renovation, with the northern quick reaction alert force scheduled to return to the base by the end of 2026. The air base in Wittmund is one of four Eurofighter locations of the Luftwaffe, and it is normally the location of the northern quick reaction alert force for securing German airspace.
A specially painted red and black Eurofighter bore the words "Back again" for the return flight, symbolizing the unit's joyous return to its home base. Approximately 950 soldiers and civilian employees are gradually returning to their home base as well, marking the full resumption of operations at Wittmund Air Base.
Sources: [1] Luftwaffe.de: Eurofighter-Jagdflugzeuge der Luftwaffe kehren nach Wittmund zurück [2] Tagesspiegel.de: Eurofighter-Jagdflugzeuge der Luftwaffe kehren nach Wittmund zurück [3] Luftfahrt-Zeitung.de: Eurofighter-Jagdflugzeuge der Luftwaffe kehren nach Wittmund zurück
- The community of Wittmund and its citizens can look forward to the local job market being bolstered, as the return of Air Wing 71's vocational training programs will provide training opportunities for local residents.
- As the Wittmund Air Base transitions into a modern operational site for the Luftwaffe, sports facilities may potentially be included in the renovation plans to provide recreational activities for the stationed personnel.
