Overview

• On July 17, 2025, the Bundeswehr began relocating six Eurofighter jets of Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 71 “Richthofen” from Rostock-Laage to Wittmund after a three-year temporary deployment.
• The return was enabled by a €155 million refurbishment of Wittmund’s three-kilometre runway, which now features new lighting and taxiway systems.
• Since 2019, the air base has undergone phased renovations of its runway and support infrastructure to meet Eurofighter operational requirements.
• Additional upgrades include modernized hangars, support buildings and fueling systems as part of the wider effort to boost Germany’s northern air defence capabilities.
• Wittmund is one of four German Eurofighter locations and will resume hosting the northern Quick Reaction Alert unit by late 2026 upon completion of remaining works.