Büchel Air Base is a military airfield located in Büchel, Germany, near the city of Cochem, approximately 70 kilometers from Spangdahlem Air Base. Operated by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), it serves as the home for the Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 33 (Tactical Air Force Wing 33), formerly known as Jagdbombergeschwader 33 (Fighter Bomber Wing 33). Additionally, the 702 Munitions Support Squadron (702 MUNSS) of the United States Air Force (USAF) is stationed at the base. Since 1985, Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 33 has operated German Panavia Tornado airplanes. As of 2023, Büchel Air Base is one of six active air bases in five European countries that store B61 nuclear bombs in underground WS3 Weapon Storage and Security Systems, as part of a NATO nuclear sharing arrangement. These B61 bombs require a dual key system for authorization. Since 2007, following the removal of nuclear weapons from Ramstein, Büchel has been the sole location in Germany with these weapons. As of 2022, the base comprised 2,000 military and civilian personnel, utilizing 46 Panavia Tornado airplanes for close air support. The Federal Ministry of Defence (Germany) plans to convert the airfield by 2026 to accommodate new F-35 aircraft, with an estimated cost of €10 billion. Annual protests against the presence of nuclear weapons have occurred at the base since 1996.