Ruoqiang Target Airfield

The facility was purpose-built as a military target range and was never intended for public or general aviation use. The designation as a 'closed airport' in some databases is a mischaracterization of its function. It is not 'closed' but rather a restricted-access military site.

The site remains an active or semi-active military target range. Analysis of recent satellite imagery shows that the facility is maintained, and the runway markings and target layouts are clearly visible. While daily activity levels are unknown to the public, its state of upkeep suggests it is still part of China's military infrastructure, reserved for periodic training exercises and weapons testing. It is located in a remote and strategically important desert region of Xinjiang, which hosts numerous military testing and training sites.

Ruoqiang Target Airfield is a large, sophisticated air-to-ground weapons range used by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Constructed in the mid-2000s, its primary purpose is to serve as a realistic training environment for pilots to practice precision strikes and bombing runs. The site features two long, parallel runways (approximately 3,000 meters each) and a large tarmac area designed to mimic a functional enemy airbase. Various mock-ups, including fighter aircraft and other military equipment, are often positioned on the airfield as targets. The surrounding area contains numerous other targets, including concentric circles and simulated infrastructure, allowing for a wide range of weapons testing and training exercises. Its significance lies in its role in modernizing the PLAAF's combat and strike capabilities.

None. There are no plans or prospects for this facility to 'reopen' as a civilian or commercial airport. It is a dedicated military asset with a specific function as a target range. The nearby city of Ruoqiang is served by the modern Ruoqiang Loulan Airport (IATA: RQA, ICAO: ZWRQ), which opened in 2018, fulfilling the region's civil aviation needs.