Tornado fighter plane over Neuruppin: Citizens ask about noise!

Tornado fighter plane over Neuruppin: Citizens ask about noise!

A low-flying tornado caused excitement over Neuruppin on Wednesday afternoon. At around 2:40 p.m., the fighter aircraft from Tactical Air Force Squadron 51 in Schleswig broke through the airspace and circled over the city at a height of just 175 meters at a speed of 448 knots. The unsettled residents were surprised and asked questions, which led to the Bundeswehr being contacted. A spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the flight took place as part of a registered low-altitude flight, with the minimum altitude normally being 500 feet or around 150 meters, but in exceptional cases this can be reduced to 500 feet. However, this has no impact on the usual conduct of exercises that serve to ensure the pilots' operational readiness.

The Bundeswehr is well aware of the burden on the population. The jet was spotted over Neuruppin on a permitted training flight, which took place in compliance with flight operations regulations. Military flights are generally permitted anywhere in Germany and are not limited to certain routes. When planning such exercises, attempts are made to avoid populated areas, but complete avoidance is not always possible due to the dense population in Germany. Residents reported that such noise sources are increasingly becoming an issue and are being shared more consciously on social media.

The background of the low-flying exercises

The current exercise is part of a broader initiative that the Bundeswehr has been carrying out since May 21, 2025. A mosaic of low-level flights is being practiced over several federal states, using Eurofighters as well as Tornados. The regions of Harz, Höxter district, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and northern Brandenburg are particularly at risk from the training.

The exercise under the motto “train as you fight” has the task of maintaining the operational readiness and training level of the pilots. A total of 26 soldiers from various air force squadrons are involved in these flights. Sensitive facilities such as clinics and schools must also be taken into account in the planning in order to keep the burden on site as low as possible. Noise is still expected for the public, and many residents have already shared photos of the fighter jets that they uploaded to social media.

Future flights and noise pollution

The low-level flights are expected to continue until May 27, 2025, with possible further overflights on June 5 or 6. Tiger fighter helicopters will also fly over Germany in the coming weeks, sometimes at heights of just 30 meters, which can further increase noise pollution. In this context, citizens in Hesse, Thuringia, North Rhine-Westphalia and southern Lower Saxony are affected. An exchange with the public is offered to clarify questions or concerns regarding noise pollution.

The Bundeswehr emphasizes that such exercises are essential to maintain the troops' operational capability and to train young comrades. Despite all the challenges and inconveniences, communication with the population remains the be-all and end-all to promote understanding.

For further information on current low-level flights and a direct exchange with the Bundeswehr, citizens have various contact options available.