Alakurtti Naval Air Base

The closure was a direct result of the large-scale military restructuring, strategic realignment, and severe budget cuts that occurred after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The specific trigger was the disbandment of the 830th Naval Assault Aviation Regiment (KShAP) in 1994 and the simultaneous phasing out of the Sukhoi Su-17 aircraft it operated.

The airfield itself is closed and non-operational. Satellite imagery shows the runway, taxiways, and aircraft revetments are still clearly visible but are in a state of significant disrepair and are not maintained for fixed-wing flight operations. However, the site is far from abandoned. The adjacent military town (garrison) was revitalized starting in 2015 to become the home base for the newly formed 80th Arctic Motor Rifle Brigade, a key component of Russia's Arctic forces. While this brigade actively uses the garrison's barracks and support infrastructure, it does not utilize the old airfield for regular fixed-wing operations.

The air base has a multi-layered history. It was originally constructed by Finland in 1939 just before the Winter War. After the war, the territory was ceded to the Soviet Union. During the Cold War, Alakurtti became a crucial frontline air base for the Soviet Air Force (VVS) and later, Soviet Naval Aviation, due to its strategic location just 50 km (about 30 miles) from the Finnish border. It was a key element in the defense of the strategically vital Kola Peninsula, which housed the main bases of the Soviet Northern Fleet. The base primarily hosted fighter and fighter-bomber units. Its most notable resident was the 830th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment (APIB), later re-designated the 830th Naval Assault Aviation Regiment (KShAP) and transferred to the Northern Fleet. This regiment operated aircraft like the MiG-17 and, most significantly, the Su-17M2/M3 'Fitter'. Its primary mission would have been to project power towards Northern Scandinavia (a NATO flank) and intercept incoming threats.

There has been recurring speculation about the potential renovation and reopening of the Alakurtti airfield, particularly since the establishment of the 80th Arctic Motor Rifle Brigade in 2015. The strategic importance of the location has been further amplified by Finland's accession to NATO. A modernized airfield would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Russian forces stationed there. However, despite these strategic considerations and periodic media reports, there is no public evidence of any active reconstruction work on the runway or primary airfield facilities. As of the early 2020s, a full reopening remains a theoretical possibility for the Russian Ministry of Defense, but there are no confirmed, ongoing projects to make it operational.