German Armed Forces and City of Kiel presented an updated timetable on 10 November 2026 for the expansion of Kiel-Wik naval base and the future use of the former MFG-5 site. Both sides say discussions are continuing on the boundaries of the areas and military security zones, which could restrict public access.
According to the City of Kiel, the municipal site dialogue is to continue. The aim remains to develop parts of the areas being vacated for housing, workplaces and green spaces, and to ensure access to the Kiel Fjord The armed forces say they still need sections of the site, particularly for logistics, infrastructure and permanent facilities. This entails examining which areas should be designated as security zones on a permanent basis and which routes can remain open.
According to the city administration, the main points of contention concern the future status of Mecklenburger Straße and the Uferstraße. If these sections are classified as military security areas, public access through the area to the fjord could be lost. The city stresses that it intends to preserve access to the waterfront as part of its planning; the armed forces, meanwhile, point to the operational requirements of a functioning base.
The reorganisation is prompted by the changed security situation. The Federal Ministry of Defence imposed a moratorium on federal properties in 2025, allowing land to be reclaimed or held back for military purposes. These requirements are shaping the ongoing negotiations over the timetable and use of the site in Kiel. No specific completion dates, investment figures or final details of the areas were announced on Tuesday.
The timetable has tangible implications for Kiel and the region. Longer-term military use would delay urban development projects on the MFG-5 site ; the earlier release of individual sections could speed up planning and construction. Political decisions at state and federal level, for example on prioritising naval infrastructure, could also affect the process. The city says it will continue to collate and publish the findings of the site dialogue. The armed forces say that the design of the security zones must be coordinated with the city's interests.
The statements from the city and the armed forces form the basis of the new schedule. The NDR reports that both sides intend to continue talks swiftly. One thing is clear: the expansion of Kiel-Wik naval base remains a process of balancing military readiness with municipal development, proceeding in stages and subject to review.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).