In July 2013, Combat Helicopter Regiment 26 in Roth celebrated its 35th anniversary with an open day. At the same time, it is the farewell event for the regiment, its many soldiers and civilian employees.
As part of the latest Bundeswehr reform, it was decided in the fall of 2011 that the Army Air Forces would be withdrawn from Roth and that the combat helicopter regiment would be disbanded on June 30, 2014. The basis for this decision is that instead of the 80 units of the new "Tiger" helicopter ordered, only 57 units are now to be purchased. For cost reasons, these are to be operated at just one location - Fritzlar in Hesse was awarded the contract. A very questionable decision, considering that at least 160 million euros (!) have already been invested in infrastructure and simulator for the new weapon system in Roth. It also became known in spring 2013 that Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere was the loser in negotiations with Eurocopter to reduce the number of units ordered for the new combat helicopter: Due to the lower purchase quantity, the prices per weapon system increase considerably - a saving was not achieved here in any way. Here now some pictures from the event.
