🇩🇪 Lechfeld Air Base

Lechfeld Air Base (ETSL) is an active German Air Force (Luftwaffe) military airfield located 1 km east of Lagerlechfeld in Bavaria, Germany, approximately 20 km south of Augsburg. It operates under the German Air Force.

Type of Facility and Operations: Lechfeld Air Base is a military-only facility. While previously home to the 32 Fighter Bomber Wing (Jagdbombergeschwader 32) which flew F-84 Thunderstreak, F-104 Starfighter, and Panavia Tornado aircraft until its disbandment in 2013, the base now houses a branch of the German Air Force Engineering Training Centre and elements of the German Armed Forces Command Support School. It also serves as an alternate base for Tactical Air Wing 74 (TaktLwG 74) and a Cooperative Security Location (CSL) base for the US Air Force. Although there were plans to designate Lechfeld as the second base for the Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft, with 13 aircraft to be stationed there starting in 2025, some sources indicate these plans have been abandoned. The base has also hosted various international military exercises, including "Air Defender 23" in 2023, where it served as a starting point for diverse participants like American A-10s and F-15s, Greek F-16s, and German helicopters. It also facilitates electronic warfare training.

Notable Features or History: Military flight operations at Lechfeld began in 1912 under the German Army. After being prohibited following World War I, flight operations resumed in 1934 with the opening of a flight school. During World War II, the Messerschmitt Works used the airfield for aircraft testing, notably the first flight of the Me 262 jet fighter by Adolf Galland on May 22, 1943. United States Army units seized the airfield in May 1945, and it served as an occupation garrison before being placed on standby status in 1947. The base was transferred to the German Armed Forces in 1955, and rebuilding commenced in 1956. During the Cold War, Lechfeld Air Base hosted United States Air Force and Air National Guard units during annual Reforger exercises. A military history museum, the Militärgeschichtliche Sammlung Lechfeld, is also located on the air base, showcasing its significant military and aviation heritage, including decommissioned military aircraft.

Current Status: Lechfeld Air Base is currently active and operated by the German Air Force. Following a 2011 reorganization and the disbandment of 32 Fighter Bomber Wing in 2013, personnel numbers were reduced. It now functions as a site for the German Air Force Engineering Training Centre, elements of the German Armed Forces Command Support School, and an alternate base for Tactical Air Wing 74. The base continues to be used for military exercises and has civilian activities, such as a Bundeswehr training workshop and the Sportfluggruppe Lechfeld. As of 2023, there were no operational issues reported, with moderate winds and clear skies.