Paliepiai Air Base

The closure was a direct result of major geopolitical change: the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the restoration of Lithuania's independence. The airfield was operated by the Soviet Air Force, and with the withdrawal of these troops from Lithuanian territory, the base was handed over to the Lithuanian government. The newly formed Lithuanian Armed Forces had no operational need for this specialized and relatively small airfield, leading to its abandonment and eventual decay.

The site is completely defunct as an airfield and is in a state of disrepair. A significant portion of the former air base has been repurposed for renewable energy. A large solar power plant, known as the Paliepiai Solar Park, has been constructed on the grounds. The original concrete runway and taxiways still exist but are heavily weathered, cracked, and overgrown with vegetation. The abandoned infrastructure is sometimes used unofficially by locals for activities like driver training, car meets, or illegal drag racing, but it holds no official aviation status.

Paliepiai Air Base was a specialized military airfield of the Soviet Air Force during the Cold War. Unlike major fighter or bomber bases, its primary role was related to chemical warfare defense and training. It was home to units such as the 243rd Independent Mixed Aviation Squadron (243-я отдельная смешанная авиационная эскадрилья), which operated a variety of aircraft, including Antonov An-2, An-24, and An-26 transports and Mil Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters. These aircraft were used for tasks such as chemical reconnaissance, practicing decontamination procedures, and other support roles for the Soviet Army's chemical troops. The base was a key training ground for these specific operations within the Baltic Military District. The ICAO-like code 'LT-9517' is a national Lithuanian identifier for an aerodrome, not an official international ICAO code.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Paliepiai Air Base. The reopening is considered extremely improbable for several reasons: 1) The infrastructure is severely degraded and would require a complete reconstruction. 2) A large part of the land has been redeveloped for a solar park, complicating any potential airport layout. 3) There is no economic or strategic demand for another airport in this specific location, especially with the larger Kėdainiai Air Base (EYKD) located just 15 km to the southeast.