Mini Field Trip: Nörvenich

28 October 2024

In October 2024, the Körber Network Foreign Policy visited the Tactical Air Wing 31 ‘Boelcke’ at the airbase in Nörvenich. There, the group had the opportunity to find out more about the tasks of the Tactical Air Wing, current challenges against the backdrop of geopolitical conflicts and the status of the ‘Zeitenwende’ in the German Air Force.

After arriving in Nörvenich, the group was able to study daily routines and tasks at the airbase by participating in a briefing. After introductory remarks by Commodore Björn Andersen on the role and tasks of the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) squadrons, the participants could discuss their questions with the Inspector of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz: He gave an overview of the Tasks the Air Force and the challenges the entire Bundeswehr is currently facing in light of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The multifaceted implications of the “Zeitenwende” were also addressed: the group learnt a lot about procurement, maintenance, infrastructure and personnel resources, and was given a prognosis on the (future) state of the Bundeswehr after the investments through the “special fund” (Sondervermögen).

Afterwards, the group was able to observe training exercises in the flight simulator as well as flights by Eurofighter and Tornado pilots.