Overview

• Germany’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the Büchel air base modernization will cost around €2 billion, up €800 million from the original €1.2 billion estimate.
• The ministry attributes the overrun to stringent US-imposed security requirements and extreme time pressure to meet the 2027 operational deadline.
• A revised framework contract with the general contractor is scheduled for signing in August to formalize updated costs and scope.
• Further cost increases cannot be ruled out as additional personnel may be needed to adhere to the “extremely ambitious” timeline.
• From 2027, Büchel will host 35 US F-35 stealth jets capable of deploying US nuclear weapons under NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangement.