Fighter jets over Parchim: noise protection or a need for training?

Fighter jets over Parchim: noise protection or a need for training?

Just today, June 17, 2025, the noise of two Eurofighters caused a stir in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. These fighter jets flew from Laage Air Base over a route that took them via Sternberg, between Parchim and Crivitz, to Neustadt-Glewe. With speeds of up to 950 km/h and the task of acting as a target for two additional fighter aircraft, the intensive military use of Germany's largest training airspace, which extends from the island of Rügen to Wittstock in Brandenburg, is once again demonstrated. The training area, known as MVPA 401 (Military Variable Profile Area), has become a hub for military training flights over the years, which often involve noise for local residents. According to the Nordkurier, a total of 524 noise complaints from residents were registered in 2023, with the Air Force always pointing out that no violations of flight operations regulations were found.

Overall, the core area of ​​the MVPA extends across a variety of sectors, spread over a west-east stretch that stretches from Schwaan in the Rostock district to Anklam. If the Air Force reserves this airspace for its training purposes, civilian air traffic will be diverted around the activated zones. A look at the current usage statistics shows that the MVPA had a total of 571 hours of use in 2023, making it one of the most intensively used training airspaces in Germany, only surpassed by TRA Lauter in the southwest with 687 hours. Even if this noise is unpleasant for many, it is a necessary evil for the training of Eurofighter pilots in Germany.

Supersonic training flights in Austria

Looking back, the Federal Army in Austria is not idle either. During a similar period of time, from May 25 to June 5, 2020, Eurofighter training flights took place there, during which the pilots completed interception maneuvers in the supersonic range. These daily flights were carried out between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and ensured that air traffic control in Austria is always up to date. A report from MeinBezirk highlights that noise reduction measures were taken during these training activities to keep noise for residents as low as possible. For example, short acceleration phases and documentation of sound distribution were taken into account in the flight plans.

But it's not just reduced noise that's important. The training took place under real physical stress, which required the pilots to be extremely focused and fit. The sound production also depended on the altitude, the terrain structure and the prevailing weather conditions. Despite these challenges, maintaining aviation safety remains a top priority. A contact person for such noise complaints in the Austrian training room is Major Schubert Sebastian, who can be reached on 0664 622 4744.

Conclusion: Military flights and their effects

It is clear that military flights play an important role in aviation security in both Germany and Austria. Even if the training flights are not always well received, the need for effective and realistic training for the pilots is undisputed. Residents are invited to direct their questions and complaints directly to the relevant authorities using the contact information provided. This ensures that both the safety standards of military training and the concerns of local residents can be reconciled.