Military aviation about northern Saxony: residents are scared of noise!

Military aviation about northern Saxony: residents are scared of noise!

On Monday afternoon, June 30, 2025, an Airbus A400M of the Air Force caused a sensation when he flew over Northern Saxony and the Leipzig district. A visit to the military aircraft came from Wunstorf near Hanover and took place between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. During the approach route, which led over various places such as Delitzsch, Zschortau, Krostitz, Jesewitz, Naunhof, Bad Lausick and Frohburg, the aircraft carried out several approaches to Altenburg airfield, where important landing exercises took place.

The residents in Gerichshain were visibly scared about the sudden event. The low flight height of the van, which was between 150 and 250 meters, caused excitement and concern. Despite the noise pollution, the Bundeswehr aircraft assured that the minimum flight height was observed outside of large cities with 150 meters. But in densely populated areas, it is often not possible to avoid inhabited regions. These exercises are particularly important for the training of the pilots in an emergency, even if modern simulators are often used to prepare today.

The Airbus A400M - Modern technology with history

the Airbus A400M, also known as "Atlas", is a product of extensive international cooperation. Since the Future International Military Airlifter (FIMA) Group was founded in 1982, in which companies such as Aérospatials and British Aerospace were involved, the development of the A400M has extended for many years. Originally, the aircraft was to serve as a replacement for the long-serving C-130 Hercules and Transall C-160. However, the technical requirements of the project and political factors ensured that the process progressed slowly.

A decisive feature of the A400M is its state-of-the-art design, which is equipped with a fly-by-wire flight control and four powerful Eureprop TP400-D6 Turboprop engine. These engines are the strongest of their kind in the west and have made it possible for the A400M to transport up to 37 tons of over 2,000 nautical miles. In addition, the aircraft can act in various possible uses, including as an air detaching and troop transportation.

areas of application and challenges

The A400M has already taken part in important international operations, including humanitarian aid actions and military operations. The British RAF recently supported search and rescue teams for an earthquake in Morocco. Despite its remarkable possible uses, the project was characterized by challenges, including technical delays and budget crossing, which significantly delayed the schedule. The first delivery was originally announced for 2009, but the actual delivery was not carried out until 2013.

The latest exercises of the Air Force, such as the recent landing exercises in Altenburg, are not only crucial for pilot training, but also for testing the diverse capabilities of the A400M that go far beyond that of a conventional military van. The Airbus A400M has taken a permanent place not only in the Bundeswehr, but also internationally.

For the residents in northern Saxony, the flight was an unexpected and loud memory of how military aviation can affect everyday life. Whether the sound of the powerful engines or the view of the majestic Airbus - in any case it was an experience that will be remembered for a long time.