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German Defense Ministry Weighs Takeover of Civil Facilities at Rostock-Laage

The review reflects a broader security-driven assessment of military infrastructure nationwide.

Overview

  • The ministry confirmed it is examining the purchase of land and buildings adjoining the Laage air base, saying the review is advanced but not concluded.
  • Mecklenburg-Vorpommern officials and Rostock’s mayor were notified, and the mayor said the civil operation should be maintained.
  • The Luftwaffe plans roughly €1 billion in upgrades over 15 years at Laage, with about 60 projects through 2029 including Eurofighter hangars, a new fire station, staff facilities, hardened storage and runway rehabilitation.
  • The civilian operator Crisp Partners and the airport’s management said they have received no direct approach about any transfer, while forecasting about 55,000 passengers in 2026 with added flights.
  • Civil traffic fell to 35,780 passengers in 2025, far below 2019 levels, and the base hosts Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 73 ‘Steinhoff’ for Eurofighter training and periodic airspace security duties.