Jonava Air Base

The air base was closed following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the subsequent withdrawal of the Russian Army from the newly independent Republic of Lithuania. As a Soviet military installation, its operational purpose ceased to exist with the end of Soviet occupation. The final withdrawal of Russian troops from Lithuania was completed on August 31, 1993.

The site is abandoned as an airport and has fallen into a state of disrepair. The runway, taxiways, and aircraft dispersal areas are still visible but are cracked, weathered, and overgrown with vegetation in many places. The site has been repurposed for several uses:

1. **Solar Power Plant:** A significant portion of the former airfield grounds is now occupied by a large-scale solar park, one of the largest in the region.
2. **Motorsports:** The remaining usable sections of the main runway are unofficially and occasionally used for amateur and semi-professional motorsports events, including drag racing, drifting, and driver training.
3. **Dereliction:** Many of the original military buildings, including hangars and barracks, are derelict, in ruins, or have been dismantled for materials. The area is a popular destination for urban explorers.

Jonava Air Base was a significant Soviet Air Force installation during the Cold War. Its primary role was strategic military transport. The base was home to the 600th Military Transport Aviation Regiment (600 VTAP), which operated a fleet of large Ilyushin Il-76 'Candid' strategic airlifters. These aircraft were crucial for rapidly deploying troops, equipment, and supplies across the Soviet Union and its allied territories. The base's location in the Baltic Military District made it a key logistical hub for Soviet forces positioned on the western frontier, directly facing NATO countries. The airfield featured a long, robust runway (approximately 2500 meters) and extensive taxiways and hardstands designed to support heavy transport aircraft operations.

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening Jonava Air Base as a functional airport. Several factors make its revival highly unlikely:

1. **High Cost:** The infrastructure is severely degraded and would require a massive investment to restore the runway, taxiways, and install modern navigation, communication, and terminal facilities.
2. **Proximity to Other Airports:** The base is located relatively close to Kaunas International Airport (KUN), a major and expanding hub for passenger and cargo traffic (including a large DHL hub). It is also within a reasonable distance of Vilnius International Airport (VNO). There is no economic or logistical need for another major airport in this region.
3. **Current Land Use:** The establishment of a large solar power plant on the site represents a significant, long-term investment and a permanent change in land use, making a return to aviation activities improbable.