An artist's impression of the F-35 in Luftwaffe markings, shown at ILA Berlin Air Show 2022. (Lockheed Martin via Janes/Gareth Jennings)
The Luftwaffe is progressing work to upgrade Büchel Air Base ahead of the arrival of the first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) later this decade.
The Inspector of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, visited the base, which is planned to accommodate all 35 of the Luftwaffe's F-35As, on 6 February, with the service's official Twitter account noting that work is moving forward.
“Things are progressing in Büchel at the [Tactical Air Wing 33]. Runway and infrastructure are made fit for the future and F-35,” the Luftwaffe posted.
Located near Bonn, Büchel Air Base currently accommodates Panavia Tornado Interdiction Strike (IDS) aircraft of Tactical Air Wing 33. Although not confirmed, it is understood that this location is where the NATO nuclear weapons that the aircraft will carry are stored.
While the Bundeswehr has not disclosed the specific work to be undertaken at Büchel Air Base, Lockheed Martin recently outlined to Janes the general work that an airbase would typically need to undergo prior to receiving F-35s.
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