The bavarian fightertown
Geographical location
Neuburg Air Base is situated in southern Germany, just west of the historic town of Neuburg an der Donau in the state of Bavaria. Nestled on the broad northern plain of the Danube River, the base benefits from open terrain and unobstructed airspace that are well-suited for modern fighter operations. Its location places it roughly halfway between the major urban centers of Munich and Nuremberg, with the wider region characterized by a mix of agricultural landscapes, gentle hills, and scattered forested areas. This central position in Bavaria provides strategic reach across Germany and central Europe, making ETSN an important hub within the Luftwaffe’s air operations. It is also noteworthy that the airport of Ingolstadt is nearby, which operates test flights and maintenance with the WTD61.
History of the TaktLwG 74
Neuburg Air Base was originally constructed in the mid-1930s as part of Germany’s pre-war military expansion. During the Second World War, the airfield supported various Luftwaffe fighter and training units operating in southern Germany. After 1945, the base remained largely inactive until the re-establishment of the German Air Force, which reactivated the site in the mid-1950s.
Over the following decades, Neuburg hosted several generations of fighter aircraft. The F-86K Sabre marked the airfield’s early post-war era, later giving way to the F-104G Starfighter during the 1960s and 70s. In the 1980s, the arrival of the F-4F Phantom II brought enhanced air defense capabilities. Since 2006, Neuburg has operated the Eurofighter Typhoon, underlining its modern role in quick-reaction alert and air superiority missions.
The wing stationed at ETSN has evolved in step with its aircraft. Originally established as Jagdgeschwader 74 (JG 74), it was restructured under the modern Luftwaffe as Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 74 (TaktLwG 74). Today the wing is organized into a Flying Group and a Technical Group. The Flying Group is composed of two fighter squadrons and the flight operations squadron, while the Technical Group includes the maintenance and electronics squadron, the armament and servicing squadron, and the supply and transport squadron. Together, these elements form a cohesive operational structure that has maintained a continuous fighter presence at Neuburg for nearly seven decades.
Recent operations
Neuburg is a key airbase for german airspace security. As previously mentioned, ETSN hosts one of the german Quick React Alert (QRA) positions. 2 Eurofighters and their crews are on alert 24 hours 365 days a year. They train nearly daily in two Tango-Scrambles. When the QRA is needed, they are prepared to take off in well below 15 minutes. Furthermore, Neuburg is under contract, to supply aircraft and personnel for the NRF (NATO Response Forces). The NRF is carrying out different duties like escorting aircraft of allied forces in case of danger, or even maintaining air superiority against aggressors.
The TaktLwG 74 also is very present in the international airspace. As a part of the NATO, germany supplies staff and aircraft to the Air Policing Missions for example in the Baltic States. The squadron is part of the NATO air policing programme on a regular basis. Additionally the Eurofighters are often part of the german contingent at international exercises like the multinational excercise Ocean Sky at Gran Canaria (GCLP) or the german led excercise Air Defender. Click here to read more about Ocean Sky
Furthermore, the TaktLwG 74 is part of the NATO Tiger Association. The NATO Tiger Association is a multinational organization that brings together NATO and partner air force units featuring a tiger in their squadron emblem. Founded in 1961, the association promotes camaraderie, cooperation, and interoperability among fighter, helicopter, and support units. Its most visible activity is the annual “Tiger Meet,” a large-scale training exercise where member squadrons conduct advanced tactical training while also celebrating their shared tiger heritage through traditions such as special aircraft paint schemes and unit exchanges. The association serves as both a professional training platform and a longstanding symbol of unity within the NATO air community. Neuburg became a member in 2013 after inheriting the “Tiger Spirit” of the disbanded JaBog32 (321 Lechfeld Tigers). Since then, Neuburg revealed many sharp looking tiger paint schemes and was present at many NATO Tiger Meets.
In the 2023-2025 airshow seasons, Neuburg also hosted the German Eurofighter Display Team. The well known pilot “NOBLE” represented the German Air Force at major airshows like the RIAT or the NATO Days at Ostrava. Therefore, NOBLE was training hard at ETSN with many training displays flown throughout the years.
The future of German Eurofighter operations
Looking ahead, Neuburg Air Base appears set to remain a central pillar of German and NATO air defence for decades to come. The recent decision by the German government to order 20 additional Eurofighter Typhoon jets (Tranche 5), with deliveries planned between 2031 and 2034, secures a long-term modernization path for the fleet that flies from ETSN. With upgraded avionics, new radar and enhanced electronic-warfare capabilities, these jets will extend the readiness, flexibility and tactical relevance of the TaktLwG 74 well into the mid-21st century.
At the same time, Neuburg’s ongoing participation in alliance-wide training, air-policing and international exercises suggests its operational tempo and strategic value will continue growing — making the base a dynamic hub for both national defence and multinational deployments. For military-aviation photographers and observers, that means Neuburg will likely remain one of the most interesting and active bases in Germany for years to come.