Defense - Buchel is preparing for F-35-fighter jets
In the place where bulldozers still stand, modern F-35 combat jets from the USA are expected to start and land in the future. They are intended to deter Russia not only from Rhineland-Palatinate but also from this airbase, Buchel.
Buchel is already preparing for the arrival of the F-35 jets, which are scheduled to be stationed there starting in 2027. However, the work on the runway itself had already been planned and is part of a larger overhaul. The runway is expected to be completed by mid-2026, while other infrastructure projects will take longer than 2028. Approximately 500 million Euro will be invested in the infrastructure - without the F-35 overhaul.
The F-35 project is "completely on schedule."
For the modern combat jets that are scheduled to be stationed in Buchel starting in 2027, certain overhauls are required. For example, the F-35 has two vertical fins at the back, while the Tornado only has one. "When they open the door (...), then it doesn't fit in," explained Major Boris.
According to Pistorius' statements, the preparation for the F-35 stationing is on schedule. "We have to make this site fit for the F-35 at an unprecedented speed," said the SPD politician during his visit. The infrastructure projects have enormous dimensions, and many buildings must be constructed. The project will be completed in half the time that is usual for such large projects. "We are extremely fast and have been completely on schedule so far."
An additional 950 million Euro for the F-35 campus
According to Major Boris, another 950 million Euro for the so-called F-35 campus will come from the special budget for the Bundeswehr. This money is already contractually bound. Pistorius assured that the federal budget for 2025 will have no consequences for the F-35 stationing. "There will be no impact because these projects are already fully financed and will remain so until the end. Therefore, there is no influence." For the Defense Ministry, there is more money available in the coming budget, but the increase is not as significant as Pistorius had hoped.
But what makes the F-35 so important for the Air Force? The aging Tornado needs to be replaced. However, another crucial point is the jets of our NATO partners. The combat system will be flown in Europe by Norway, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Italy. "We are interoperable with our NATO partners in this way," explained a Luftwaffe spokesperson. It is important to fly and train together with partners, as well as to develop and refine tactics.
Buchel is particularly important because it will be the only F-35 base for the Air Force. The F-35s will then be stationed exclusively there. "Initially, eight will come from the USA starting in 2026 to train the pilot trainees and the corresponding personnel for maintenance and maintenance," explained the spokesperson. The jets are then expected to come to Buchel starting in 2027 and completely replace the Tornados starting in 2030.
Pistorius: The Russian offensive war and the regular Russian nuclear threats demonstrate that, in addition to conventional deterrence, a credible nuclear deterrence remains important, said Pistorius. And the soldiers and airmen of the Tactical Air Force Wing fulfill this permanent task 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Unverified reports suggest that US atomic weapons are also stored in Buchel.
Pistorius: Germany's Role in NATO Changes
A significant partner in deterrence is currently the US - will this remain the case after the upcoming presidential election? Pistorius does not want to speculate about that. "Any comment would contribute to our involvement in the internal dispute in the American election campaign," said the Defense Minister.
Instead, he focuses on what Germany needs to do. "We need to prepare ourselves, we need to do our homework as European NATO partners," he said. "I am convinced that our role as Germany will be different, stronger within NATO."
- Boris Pistorius, the SPD politician, mentioned that the infrastructure projects for the F-35's arrival in Buchel are happening at an unprecedented speed.
- The United States of America is expected to station modern F-35 combat jets in Buchel starting in 2027, with Russia being a potential deterrent.
- Major Boris explained that the F-35's two vertical fins make it incompatible with certain buildings in preparation for its stationing at Buchel.
- The Bundeswehr has allocated another 950 million Euro for the F-35 campus in Buchel, according to Major Boris's statements.
- The Tornado jets in the German Air Force will be replaced by F-35s, with Norway, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Italy also using this combat system in Europe.
- Boris Pistorius stated that Buchel will be the only F-35 base for the German Air Force, with F-35s potentially coming from the USA to train pilots and replace the Tornados by 2030.
