The US Air Base at Ramstein in Rhineland-Palatinate is a strategic center for the American Air Force in Europe and, for global drone operations. The question arises: is Germany supporting the war in Iran?
US Military Base at Ramstein on German Soil
According to the German Bundestag, Ramstein Air Base is located on German territory and legally belongs to Germany, but enjoys immunity through various agreements and treaties. This means local authorities generally cannot access the base, and politicians must announce their visits in advance.
Ramstein Air Base is considered the most important US military base in Europe. It has developed into a hub for US military freight and troop transport. The base too houses so-called drone relay stations. While the drones are controlled from the US, Ramstein Air Base is used as an intermediary to ensure the signal reaches its destination, as direct control from the US would be too slow due to the Earth’s curvature.
The base also hosts the NATO command authority for air forces, making the location important for all states in the defense alliance.
The US and the Iran War: Is Ramstein Air Base Involved?
Residents report increased air traffic since the war in Iran began. However, the exact involvement of Ramstein Air Base in the Iran war and what is happening there directly remains speculation. Political scientist David Sirakov estimates that the drone relay stations are likely involved, and the Air Base plays a role in logistics.
Germany’s Role: Legally Possible, Politically Difficult
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) recently spoke in the Bundestag about the transatlantic partnership with the US, stating: “We do not want this war to turn into a burden on the transatlantic partnership. We want this partnership and we need it.”
Sirakov explains that Germany could legally prohibit the use of Ramstein Air Base, but it would be politically difficult. He advises the Rhineland-Palatinate state government on US domestic, foreign, and security policy as Director of the Atlantic Academy Rhineland-Palatinate.
Politically, I witness this as much more problematic, since this also entails jeopardizing the great dependence that Germany and NATO partners have on the USA in terms of security policy.
To pursue this, Germany would have to renegotiate existing treaties with the US, potentially leading to a major rift between the US and NATO, which relies heavily on American military strength. Given the backdrop of the Russian war in Ukraine, such a ban is unlikely, as Europe also relies on US support.
Restricted Use: A “Super Gau” for the US
Any restrictions would also be a “super gau” for the US, according to political scientist David Sirakov, as much of the logistical support for Europe, Africa, and the Near and Middle East runs through the West Palatinate.
this would be a much greater caesura in the transatlantic security relationship between Germany and the USA […]. Because Ramstein simply plays such an important role in the American security architecture worldwide.
Could Germany Bear Responsibility for the War in Iran?
Most legal experts believe the US and Israeli attacks on Iran are violations of international law. Spain has demanded respect for international law and explicitly prohibited the US from using military bases for attacks. According to the Spanish government, tanker planes stationed in Spain have been relocated to Ramstein Air Base.
Whether the attacks on Iran constitute a breach of international law is still under review by the German government, according to Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD parliamentary group’s foreign policy spokesman.
In 2014, two men from Yemen sued the German government because two of their relatives died in a US drone strike. They argued that Germany was also responsible for the deaths because the signal controlling the drone originated from Ramstein Air Base. The lawsuit was dismissed, but the court emphasized that Germany has a legal and human rights responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of Ramstein Air Base?
Ramstein Air Base serves as a central hub for US military operations in Europe, including freight and troop transport, and functions as a relay station for drone operations.
Could Germany legally prevent the US from using Ramstein Air Base?
According to David Sirakov, Germany could legally prohibit the use of Ramstein Air Base, but it would be politically difficult.
What is the potential consequence of restricting US access to Ramstein Air Base?
Restricting access would be a “super gau” for the US, as much logistical support for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East runs through the base.
Given the current situation, what level of international cooperation is necessary to navigate the complex legal and political challenges surrounding the use of military bases in ongoing conflicts?
