Lure Malbouhans Air Base

The closure was a direct result of the large-scale restructuring of the French Armed Forces following the end of the Cold War. This strategic reorganization, part of the 'Plan Armées 2000', aimed to create a smaller, more professional, and more efficient military. With the reduced threat perception in Europe, numerous bases, including Lure-Malbouhans, were deemed redundant and closed for economic and strategic reasons to consolidate forces and reduce operating costs.

The former air base has been completely redeveloped for civilian use. The site is now known as the 'Parc d'Activités de la Saline', a large business and industrial park. Key features of the current site include:

- **Solar Farm:** A significant portion of the main runway and adjacent areas is covered by one of France's largest photovoltaic power plants, making aviation use impossible.
- **Motorsports:** A section of the former taxiways and aprons has been converted into a motorsport complex called 'Circuit de la Saline', used for karting, track days, and driver training.
- **Industrial and Commercial Use:** Many of the original hangars, bunkers, and administrative buildings have been repurposed and are occupied by various businesses for manufacturing, logistics, and storage.

Lure-Malbouhans Air Base, officially known as Base aérienne 116 'Lieutenant-colonel Papin' (BA 116) with the former ICAO code LFSX, has a rich military history.

- **Pre-WWII and WWII:** Initially established in 1938, it was used by the French Air Force before being captured and utilized by the German Luftwaffe during World War II. After its liberation in 1944, it was repaired and used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Ninth Air Force as Advanced Landing Ground Y-5.

- **Cold War:** In the early 1950s, the base was completely rebuilt to NATO standards as a Dispersed Operating Base (DOB). It became a front-line French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) installation. From 1954 to 1988, it was home to the prestigious 4e Escadre de Chasse (4th Fighter Wing).

- **Operations and Aircraft:** The base operated several key fighter and strike aircraft, including the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre, and most notably, the SEPECAT Jaguar. During its time with the Jaguar, BA 116 was a critical component of France's nuclear deterrent, with aircraft and pilots on alert to carry the AN-52 tactical nuclear bomb.

- **Final Years:** After the 4th Fighter Wing was disbanded in 1988, the base's operational importance declined significantly, leading to its eventual closure.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Lure-Malbouhans as an airport. The extensive and permanent redevelopment of the site, particularly the construction of the large solar farm directly on the runway and the establishment of the industrial park, makes a return to aviation activities unfeasible. The local community's focus is entirely on the continued economic development of the 'Parc d'Activités de la Saline'.