Eurofighter Jet Makes Exhilarating Return to East Frisia Airspace - Pleasant feeling - Eurofighter jets touch down in East Friesland once more
After more than three years of absence, the Eurofighter Wing 71 "Richthofen" has returned to the Air Force Base in Wittmund, Lower Saxony. The much-anticipated homecoming was marked by a warm welcome from family members, friends, and colleagues who gathered at the Wittmundhafen airport.
The return of the Eurofighters marks a significant milestone for the unit, as Deputy Wing Commander Sebastian Fiedler remarked, "This is a huge moment for our unit." The wing had been temporarily stationed at the Air Force Base Laage since early 2022 due to renovations at the Wittmund NATO Air Force Base.
During their temporary relocation, the wing successfully secured German airspace as per its mission. Notably, the Eurofighter that landed was specially painted red and black for a "fly-in" event, adding a touch of excitement to the occasion.
The Air Force Base in Wittmund is undergoing extensive infrastructure improvements, with investments of around 774 million euros being made. The 3-kilometer-long runway at the military airport in Wittmund is being renovated at a cost of around 155 million euros. New guard buildings, hangars, shelters, and an armory are being built, transforming the base into one of the most modern military airports in Germany.
Construction work on the site is expected to continue into the 2030s, with many projects either completed or in the implementation phase. A new soundproof hall for Eurofighter engine inspections has been constructed, and taxiways and lighting systems at the airport have been completely renewed.
To reduce noise emissions outside the new soundproof hall, a large exhaust system and sound-absorbing curtains have been designed. The first flight operations at the Air Force Base in Wittmund are scheduled to start in August.
It's worth noting that the northern alert rotor for securing German airspace, which is normally stationed in Wittmund, will remain in Rostock-Laage until the fourth quarter of 2026. Despite this temporary arrangement, the return of the Eurofighter Wing 71 "Richthofen" to its home base is a testament to the ongoing modernisation and development of the Wittmund Air Force Base.
Wing Commander Colonel Björn Andersen landed the first Eurofighter upon its return to Wittmund. Upon exiting his jet, he expressed his feelings, stating, "It's a great feeling." The Air Force Base in Wittmund is one of four Eurofighter locations in Germany, and its continued development and modernisation are crucial for the defence of the nation's airspace.
- The Wing Commander Colonel Björn Andersen, during his tenure at the Air Force Base in Wittmund, might consider implementing vocational training programs for the unit's personnel, such as maintenance and repairs of the Eurofighter, to ensure their proficiency and contribute to the base's ongoing modernization and development.
- With the extensive investments being made in the Air Force Base in Wittmund, totaling approximately 774 million euros, it would be beneficial to explore possible partnerships with EC countries for vocational training and exchange programs, enhancing the base's operational capabilities and promoting European collaboration in the field of aviation.
