Eurofighter return to Wittmund: cheers with family and friends!

Eurofighter return to Wittmund: cheers with family and friends!

On July 18, 2025, the time had finally come: After more than three years of absence, the first Eurofighter of the Tactical Air Force Squadron 71 "Richthofen" returned to their home airfield in Wittmundhafen. Six of the light fighter jets landed in a rather cloudy weather and a slight drizzle. The return set a clear signal and caused great applause from relatives and friends who saw the machines in three groups and V-formation over the base flying. "The absence was an enormous burden for everyone, especially for the families," said Colonel Björn Andersen during the celebrations ndr

The squadron, which secured German airspace during his absence, brought not only the Jet pilots, but also 950 soldiers, soldiers and civilian employees back to Wittmundhafen. Baldwin, as a deputy squadron, informed that during this time they laid a pendulum route of a total of five million kilometers and 10,000 flight hours outside of their home. The return is a significant step for the troop after a long period of absence, which was associated with extensive renovation work at the military airfield.

comprehensive modernization work

The Eurofighter were stationed in Laage to support renovation work in Wittmund. This work not only included the runway, but also the fireplaces and roller coasters. The renovation has now reached costs of around 725 million euros, whereby the total costs for the modernizations are estimated at around 774 million euros. The project started in 2019 and is expected to be completed by 2031. The new buildings include a guard building, aircraft shelter, repair halls, a weapon chamber and a noise protection hall Kreiszeitung .

The return was celebrated on July 17 with a so-called "fly-in", with the first Eurofighter being provided with a striking "red baron" painting. This is to be understood as a tribute to the legendary fighter pilot Manfred von Richthofen. The special lettering "Back Again" will be visible for a maximum of one year. Even if the day of return was not open to the general public, many military fans on the North Sea awaited the event with great anticipation.

look into the future

The return of the Eurofighter to Wittmund marks an important step for the Air Force and the region, which can look forward to an exciting summer with the new challenges and flight operations in their own base. The traditional history of the flying gate, which has existed for over 100 years, will continue to be alive in the future.