The German Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that the Bundeswehr intends to reactivate former military barracks and properties. This is necessary to secure additional real estate required for expansion, particularly to support the burgeoning training capacities of the new military service.
A preliminary selection of eight properties has been made, chosen because of their location, existing infrastructure, and capacity. These include the former Rantzau Barracks in Boostedt (Schleswig-Holstein), the former Hinrich-Wilhelm-Kopf Barracks in Cuxhaven (Lower Saxony), the former Kurpfalz Barracks in Speyer (Rhineland-Palatinate), the former Unteroffizier-Krüger Barracks in Kusel (Rhineland-Palatinate), the former Kanaal-van-Wessem Barracks in Soest (North Rhine-Westphalia), the ex-NATO headquarters in Mönchengladbach (North Rhine-Westphalia), the former Graf-Stauffenberg Barracks in Sigmaringen (Baden-Württemberg), and the former Ray Barracks in Friedberg (Hesse).
However, a final commitment regarding the reopening and utilization of these sites has yet to be made. The Ministry stated that discussions are currently underway with all relevant stakeholders.
Previously, in October 2025, the Ministry of Defense had halted the long-term trend of converting military-use properties for civilian purposes. A total of 200 properties were moved into a moratorium and are currently being assessed for their potential suitability for future military use. In addition to this, 27 further parcels were introduced this year from the portfolio managed by the Federal Agency for Real Estate Assets (BImA).
