From Hildburg Bruns
In June, the sky over Berlin is touched by the largest fighter jet maneuver in NATO’s history. There will be a flight corridor over the western parts of the capital, the Department of Defense told the Senate.
“Air Defender 23” is the name of the gigantic relocation exercise by air forces – 220 aircraft and 10,000 soldiers from 25 nations are taking part. Beyond NATO also countries like Sweden and Japan. The multi-national exercise was initiated and planned by Germany – and is also being carried out.
Four Luftwaffe Eurofighters fly over the frigate Hessen during an inaugural visit by Defense Minister Pistorius to the Navy (archive photo) Photo: picture alliance/dpa
How loud does it get over Berlin?
“Noise measurements will not take place during the exercise,” said the Berlin environmental administration at the request of a left-wing politician. According to the Federal Ministry, the fighter jets fly at an altitude of around 5500 meters – that is hardly noticeable.
The German Air Force is taking part in the maneuver with 64 planes, mainly Eurofighters and Tornados, but also helicopters.
In the eastern airspace, which includes Berlin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg and Saxony, the planes take off from the Rostock-Laage base. During military use, the airspace is closed to civil aviation by the hour – details were not given.
BER Airport will be affected
BER spokesman Hannes Hönemann (55): “BER Airport will be affected. We expect delays in arrivals and departures – the exact extent is not yet known.“
According to the current status, the corridor via Berlin will be used from 12 to 16 June and from 19 to 22 June from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – a maximum of 36 hours in total. And not on the weekend of 17/18. June.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (63, SPD) already wore the emblem of the NATO maneuver (“Air Defender 23”) on his first visit to the Luftwaffe. Photo: Jens Büttner/dpa
The Senate is not aware of any planned overflights over the TXL-Ukraine arrival center with 4,300 places for refugees from the attacked country. The flight readiness of the Ministry of Defense in Tegel Nord is also not intended for take-offs and landings of fighter jets.
Should military actions be perceptible, the residents will be informed in good time with notices and speeches.
Questions or complaints about military flight operations: toll-free number 0800 – 8620730