Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Bundeswehr Reactivates Seven Low-Flying Areas for Combat Jet Training

The move reflects a changed European security environment, reviving training curtailed after the Cold War.

Overview

  • Effective November 27, Luftwaffe Eurofighter and Tornado crews may descend to roughly 75–80 meters for up to two minutes during planned target approaches in designated zones.
  • The reactivated Low Flying Areas span Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Hessen, and parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, including regions near Donauwörth/Eichstätt and Neubrandenburg.
  • Access to these areas is limited to German combat jets, while elsewhere military aircraft must observe a 500-foot minimum altitude.
  • Officials say the training supports alliance defense by enabling terrain masking to reduce radar exposure and improving air-to-ground coordination.
  • Authorities acknowledge residents will notice more noise despite mitigation, with activity capped to the minimum required after 2025 rule changes lifted earlier time and flight limits.