Bundeswehr stops sale: Penzing Air Base remains in a crash landing

Bundeswehr stops sale: Penzing Air Base remains in a crash landing

The Federal Ministry of Defense has temporarily stopped the planned sale of the former Penzing air base. The reason for this is a nationwide moratorium that suspends the conversion of former Bundeswehr properties. This decision affects not only Penzing, but a total of 187 former military locations that are owned by the Federal Real Estate Agency (BImA). The BImA will not sell any properties before they have been examined for their suitability for defense purposes. The air base area was even classified as “suitable for possible future use by the Bundeswehr”, which further complicates the plans of the Area61 special purpose association.

Mayor Peter Hammer shows understanding for the federal government's decision, but sees the community in a crucial phase. Talks about the transfer of ownership to the special purpose association Area61 must be suspended, which calls into question the plans for a modern campus for companies, research, culture and living on the 270 hectare site. A film studio, an ADAC test center and the largest asylum accommodation in the Landsberg district are already established there. However, many buildings on the site are listed buildings and require extensive renovations.

Conversations and usage options

The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the moratorium is not intended to endanger existing municipal uses. Hammer suggests that unused areas of the site could be temporarily used by the Bundeswehr without affecting civilian projects. This solution could offer a compromise that takes into account both military and civilian interests while continuing discussion about future use.

In the course of these developments, reference is also made to the fact that the Bundeswehr had already determined in the summer of 2024 that the air base was no longer being considered as a location for the Arrow 3 missile defense system or other air force requirements. This signals that the military relevance of the site is decreasing and the course could increasingly be set towards civilian projects.

Comparison to other conversions

The situation in Penzing is reminiscent of other conversions of former military locations in Germany, such as the withdrawal of US forces from Hanau in 2008. There, too, extensive areas were returned, and the cooperation between the municipality and BImA was crucial. In Hanau it was possible to develop and market around half of the returned land. A model was created here that could serve as a model for the negotiations in Penzing. Regular working groups and open dialogue are important elements.

As events show, there is a lot of progress in the air. If the discussions between those involved are constructive, Penzing Air Base could become a thriving center for business and culture in the near future. A good hand from local players would now be required to set the right course and make the best possible use of the site's potential.