In a bid to mitigate any increase in aircraft noise around Nörvenich, the Luftwaffe has established “flexible relocation options” for the detached Tornados, allowing for the aircraft to be forward deployed to other predetermined airfields, when necessary.

A Luftwaffe-operated Panavia Tornado IDS (serial 45+92) from TaktLwG 33 separates from a US Air Force (USAF)-operated McDonnell Douglas KC-10A Extender after receiving fuel during a combat mission over Iraq in support of the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve on February 22, 2017. USAF/Senior Airman Tyler WoodwardĪccording to the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), “a cessation of the flight operations of the Tornado of was not an option against the background of the mission to defend the country and the alliance.” During its time at Nörvenich, the temporarily relocated TaktLwG 33 aircraft will conduct flight operations alongside the resident TaktLwG 31 ‘Boelcke’ and its complement of Eurofighter EF-2000 multi-role fighters. This work is expected to conclude in 2026 and will include the resurfacing of Büchel’s runway and taxiways, with renovations being made to the base’s lighting and waste water infrastructure. The move comes after urgent repairs were required at Büchel to guarantee safe flight operations from the Luftwaffe base. In total, 25 TaktLwG 33-operated Tornado IDS aircraft – along with 450 military and civil personnel – will temporarily relocate from Büchel to Nörvenich (both located in western Germany) from June 13. Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Panavia Tornado IDS ground attack/strike aircraft operations will return to Nörvenich Air Base for the first time in 12 years, as examples from Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 33 (TaktLwG 33, Tactical Air Force Wing 33) prepare to relocate to the base as urgent renovation work takes place at Büchel.

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