Nörvenich Air Base – December 2025 Operations
Marking our second visit this year, we returned to Nörvenich Air Base on December 10 and 11 for a two-day winter session. Following our previous trip in May, this new gallery provides a fresh look at the daily operations of the Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 “Boelcke” and their Eurofighter Typhoons.
Maintaining its vital quick reaction alert (QRA) responsibilities and NATO-integrated role in Central European airspace, the base remains highly active year-round. Captured against a December backdrop, these images document local training missions, readiness checks, and intense launch sequences. From the ramp to the taxiways and powerful take-offs, this collection highlights Germany’s frontline multirole fighter operating in winter conditions.
➤ Scroll down to view the full photo gallery from our December days at Nörvenich Air Base and explore modern German air power up close.
Nörvenich Air Base Germany 10th & 11th of December 2025
Nörvenich Air Base (Fliegerhorst Nörvenich) is a key German Air Force (Luftwaffe) airbase located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With the ICAO code ETNN, it serves as the home of Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 "Boelcke", one of the Luftwaffe’s oldest and most prestigious tactical air wings. The wing operates the Eurofighter Typhoon, a highly capable multirole combat aircraft used for both air superiority and ground attack missions.
Historical Background
Originally constructed for the Royal Air Force Germany (RAF Germany) in 1952, Nörvenich Air Base officially opened in August 1954. In 1958, Jagdbombergeschwader 31 (JaBoG 31) was established at the base and became the first German fighter-bomber wing to operate the American-built Republic F-84F Thunderstreak. In January 1959, the unit achieved another milestone by becoming the first German Air Force wing to be integrated into NATO. By 1961, JaBoG 31 was also the first to operate the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, a mainstay of many NATO air forces during the Cold War. In July 1983, the base saw the arrival of the Panavia Tornado (PA-200), marking another major aircraft transition. Since June 2010, the unit has been equipped with the Eurofighter Typhoon, marking its entry into the era of fourth-generation fighter aircraft.
Notable Events
From 17 to 28 August 2020, Nörvenich Air Base hosted a historic deployment of six F-16C/D “Barak” fighter jets from the Israeli Air Force. This marked the first time in history that Israeli combat aircraft landed on German soil. The deployment was part of Exercise Blue Wings 2020, which involved joint training operations with the resident Eurofighters of TaktLwG 31. This historic moment symbolized the strengthening defense relationship between Germany and Israel.
Temporary Relocation of Tornados
Beginning 13 June 2022, 25 Panavia Tornado IDS aircraft from Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 33, usually based at Büchel Air Base, were temporarily relocated to Nörvenich. This move was necessitated by major runway and taxiway renovations at Büchel, with the work expected to continue until approximately 2026.