RAF Wildenrath

The closure was a direct result of the end of the Cold War. Following the reunification of Germany and the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, the UK government initiated the 'Options for Change' defence review. This led to a significant reduction of British forces stationed in Germany (RAF Germany), as the large, forward-deployed military presence was no longer considered strategically necessary. RAF Wildenrath, along with other bases, was closed as part of this military drawdown.

After the RAF departed in 1992, the site was used by the British Army until 2012. Following the final withdrawal of all British forces, the entire area was sold and has been completely redeveloped.

The site is now the 'Test- und Entwicklungszentrum Wegberg-Wildenrath' (Wegberg-Wildenrath Test and Development Centre). The primary user is Siemens Mobility, which has established a world-class, multi-functional railway test center. The former main runway, parallel taxiway, and dispersal loops have been converted into an extensive network of test tracks for various types of trains, trams, and railway systems. The large, flat area of the former airfield is ideal for testing high-speed trains, signaling systems, and other rail technologies. The remainder of the site is an industrial and business park.

Opened in 1952, RAF Wildenrath was a vital frontline airbase for the Royal Air Force in Germany (RAF Germany) for 40 years. As one of the 'clutch' airfields, it was a key component of NATO's air power in Central Europe during the Cold War, positioned strategically close to the border with the Eastern Bloc.

Throughout its history, it hosted a variety of important squadrons and aircraft:
- **Fighter Operations:** Initially hosted fighter squadrons flying aircraft like the de Havilland Venom and Hawker Hunter.
- **Reconnaissance:** For many years, it was home to English Electric Canberra squadrons conducting crucial photographic and electronic reconnaissance missions.
- **Air Defence:** It briefly hosted McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 fighters in an air defence role.
- **V/STOL Attack Force:** It is most famously associated with being a major base for the Harrier 'jump jet'. From the 1970s until its closure, it was home to Harrier GR.3, and later the second-generation GR.5 and GR.7 aircraft. These squadrons were a critical part of NATO's rapid response capability, able to operate from dispersed, semi-prepared sites in the event of a conflict.

The base was maintained at a high state of readiness, with aircraft and crews on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) 24/7, ready to launch at a moment's notice to counter a potential Soviet invasion.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airport. The infrastructure has been fundamentally and permanently repurposed for its current role as a major railway test facility and industrial park. The conversion of the runways and taxiways into rail tracks makes a return to aviation operations infeasible.