Bundeswehr is investing 6.4 billion euros in Lower Saxony's future!

Bundeswehr is investing 6.4 billion euros in Lower Saxony's future!

The Bundeswehr has ambitious plans for Lower Saxony, within which it would like to invest around 6.4 billion euros in various locations. These investments are aimed at modernizing, expanding and renovating existing facilities as well as constructing new accommodation buildings. The construction projects are planned at a total of 36 locations in the state NDR reported.

Wilhelmshaven will particularly benefit from these investments, as around 1.6 billion euros will flow into the naval base. Of this sum, 430 million euros are specifically earmarked for the northern expansion of the naval base. The Wittmund location is in second place on the investment list with 763 million euros, followed by Munster, which will receive 532 million euros for new buildings and renovations.

Major project at the Wilhelmshaven naval base

On November 12, 2024, construction began on the first service building as part of the northern expansion of the Wilhelmshaven naval base, one of the largest naval bases in Western Europe. The state construction management region North-West has started construction work, and eleven accommodation buildings are to follow next year. The total investment in this large-scale project amounts to over 250 million euros and is expected to be realized over a period of 10 to 15 years Niedersachsen.de.

The northern extension covers an area of ​​around 340,000 m², which is equivalent to almost 48 football fields. This measure is necessary in order to integrate the new ship type “Fregate 126” (formerly MKS 180). Sönke Gebken, head of the Wilhelmshaven regional office, emphasizes the significant dimensions of the project and its relevance for the Navy's operational readiness. The barracks commander Robert Falkner also emphasizes the importance of the infrastructure projects for the new building project.

Modernization project for the Bundeswehr

The planned construction work at Wittmundhafen airfield is scheduled to be completed by 2032 and includes, among other things, the construction of an aircraft repair hall and the renovation of the runway. In addition, new central armory buildings are planned in Neustadt am Rübenberge and Lüneburg. The Wunstorf airfield in the Hanover region is also receiving significant upgrades, such as new runways, a new tower and a new training workshop.

Lower Saxony's Finance Minister Gerald Heere emphasizes that no other federal state in Germany makes comparably high investments for the Bundeswehr, a development that must also be viewed in the context of increased defense spending. These not only increase the country's defense capability, but are also intended to boost the arms industry. This makes the situation in Wilhelmshaven seem all the more important, where civil shipbuilding orders often go abroad and thus cause problems for the Jade Shipyard.