Novotroitskoye West Airfield

The airfield was a Soviet Air Force base that was abandoned following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. The newly independent Republic of Kazakhstan did not retain this base for its own air force, leading to its closure due to military restructuring and the downsizing of forces in the region.

The airfield is completely abandoned and in a state of advanced decay. Satellite imagery shows a single, long runway and associated taxiways that are severely cracked, broken, and overgrown with vegetation, rendering them unusable for any aviation purposes. The support infrastructure, including aprons and likely any remaining buildings, is derelict. The site is a relic of the Soviet military presence and is not used for any formal purpose.

Novotroitskoye West was a significant Soviet military air base during the Cold War. It was the home of the 157th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment (157-й АПИБ), which was part of the 73rd Air Army of the Turkestan Military District. The regiment operated tactical strike aircraft, primarily the Sukhoi Su-17 'Fitter' family of variable-sweep wing fighter-bombers. The base's strategic location in Central Asia was important for projecting Soviet power and for operations related to the southern borders of the USSR, including the war in Afghanistan. It served as a key operational and training facility for Soviet tactical aviation.

None. There are no known plans, discussions, or prospects for reopening or redeveloping the Novotroitskoye West Airfield. The cost to repair the extensive damage to the runway and infrastructure would be prohibitive. Furthermore, there is no apparent strategic or economic need for an airfield at this location, especially with other active military and civilian airports in the region. Its reopening is considered highly improbable.