TLG71 'Richthofen' returns to Wittmund
On 17 July 2025, aviation photographer Michael Balter captured the return of the first Eurofighter Typhoon from Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 71 (TLG71) 'Richthofen' to Fliegerhorst Wittmundhafen.
After a three-and-a-half-year absence, during which the unit was temporarily stationed at Rostock - Laage Air Base to allow for major renovations at Wittmund, the first six jets touched down at their home base.
The extensive modernisation effort included a complete runway rebuild, a new control tower, and wide-ranging infrastructure upgrades. In total € 774 million will be invested through 2031 - 2032, at which point Wittmund will become Germany’s most modern NATO air base.
Operations resumed in a limited capacity, with full flight activities set to gradually ramp up through August 2025. The Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) role is expected to return by mid-2026.
To mark the occasion, EF2000 31+07 received a striking special paint scheme titled 'Back Again.'
Founded on 6 June 1959, TLG71 is named after World War I flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, known as the 'Red Baron.'
Originally established as Jagdgeschwader 71 (JG71) at Ahlhorn Air Base, it was the first operational jet fighter wing of the post-war German Air Force. In 1961, the unit relocated to Wittmundhafen.
TLG71 transitioned from the F-4F Phantom II to the Eurofighter Typhoon in 2013, with the last Phantom flight taking place in June of that year. As part of a structural reform of the Luftwaffe, the unit was renamed from JG71 to TLG71.
Credit photos: Michael Balter (MBAviationImages PHOTOGRAPHY)