The federal government is investing more in barracks in NRW – the funds are increasing from over 140 to almost 400 million euros per year. Why the Bundeswehr should be invested in NRW.
In view of the unstable security situation worldwide, the federal government is increasing its investments in military properties in NRW by 2028. “It’s about doing more and becoming faster,” NRW Finance Minister Marcus Optendrenk (CDU) told WDR. This is because the demands on the Bundeswehr have increased massively. According to the state finance ministry, the focus is on modernizing the Bundeswehr sites. NRW would be a central hub in an emergency.
Eight new accommodation buildings for Glückauf barracks in Unna
For the Glückauf barracks in Unna, for example, eight new accommodation buildings with 624 rooms are planned for the approximately 800 soldiers stationed there. The accommodations are being built in series and, according to the ministry, will therefore have a significantly shortened planning and implementation time. A further 400 accommodations in modular construction are planned in Augustdorf and Minden, it was said.
The barracks in Unna are considered indispensable for the German army due to their strategic location. Two of the eight new buildings have already been completed. The medical supply center is also being modernized.
“The focus of the further expansion of the barracks is on the renovation and renewal of the technical area and the training area in order to be able to effectively support the stationed troops in their mission,” said Colonel Siegfried Josef Otto of the Federal Office of Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Services (BAIUDBw) in Düsseldorf.
“No more watching war from home”
For CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter, investments in the Bundeswehr are essential. “It is no longer a question of observing the war from home or financing it out of one’s own pocket.” Deterrence must be increased so that neither NATO nor the EU and the closest allies can be attacked.
Central properties with military relevance in NRW
There are several central properties with a military connection in NRW. These include:
- the first seat of the Ministry of Defense in Bonn
- the Military Counterintelligence Service in Cologne
- die Air Force Barracks in Cologne-Wahn
- the Nato-System AWACS for airspace surveillance in Geilenkirchen
- the Combined Air Operations Centre NATO in Uedem/Kalkar
- Eurofighter location the Air Force in Nörvenich
Federal government also invests significantly more in other construction projects in NRW
According to the NRW Finance Ministry, the federal government is providing significantly more money for construction projects in North Rhine-Westphalia. By 2028, the annual amounts will rise from the current 230 million euros to 640 million euros. More than half of this will go towards the military part.
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