Eilenburg Airfield

The closure was a direct consequence of the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. The 'Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany' (also known as the Two Plus Four Agreement) signed in 1990 mandated the withdrawal of all Soviet forces from German territory. Eilenburg Airfield, as a major Soviet military installation, was no longer required and was decommissioned as part of this large-scale military drawdown.

The former airfield has been completely repurposed. The site is now home to the 'Solarpark Eilenburg-Ost' (also known as Solarpark Mölbitz), one of Germany's largest photovoltaic power plants. The vast arrays of solar panels are installed directly on the former main runway, taxiways, and apron areas. While the solar park dominates the landscape, many of the original Cold War-era structures, such as the distinctive hardened aircraft shelters (HAS), are still visible around the perimeter of the site, often in a derelict state or used for storage.

Eilenburg Airfield has a significant dual-era history.

1. **Nazi Era (1936-1945):** It was originally constructed for the German Luftwaffe around 1936. During World War II, it served as an operational and training base, hosting various units, including fighter and bomber groups.

2. **Cold War Era (1945-1993):** After the war, the airfield was taken over by the Soviet Air Force and became a crucial forward operating base for the 16th Air Army of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (GSFG). It was home to several fighter aviation regiments over the decades. Its most notable role was during the 1980s when it became one of the first airfields outside of the Soviet Union to host the advanced Mikoyan MiG-29 'Fulcrum' fighter jet. The 968th Fighter Aviation Regiment (968. IAP) based at Eilenburg operated these aircraft, placing the base at the forefront of Soviet air power in Central Europe and making it a high-priority intelligence target for NATO forces.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening Eilenburg Airfield for aviation purposes. The conversion of the entire operational area into a large-scale, permanent solar power station makes a return to aviation activities physically and economically impossible. The essential infrastructure, particularly the runway, has been permanently obstructed and repurposed.