Jüterbog Airfield was constructed by Nazi Germany in the 1930s to train pilots (despite the Treaty of Versailles ban on Germany having an air force). In the early days it was (at least on paper) a gliding site: gliders were exempt from the ban.
Post-war, it was massively developed by the Soviet Union. The runway was extended and many protected structures were built. The base was used as a training and fighter airfield, including housing a QR (Quick Reaction) squadron.
Areas to the north of the airfield were developed as training areas known as Altes Lager. An anti-aircraft battery was installed to the west of the airfield. A replica of the airfield was built in Nevada by the US Air Force for use in training.
When visited by Sub Brit in 2003, protected and underground structures around the complex included hardened aircraft shelters, munitions bunkers, a fighter control bunker and WWII air-raid shelters.
After the reunification of Germany, the site was handed back to the local authority and a number of businesses now use the buildings. The runway has reverted to a peaceful existence for hang gliders and gliders.