Leonidovo Air Base

The air base was closed and abandoned following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The resident aviation unit, the 334th Military Transport Aviation Regiment, was disbanded around 1994 as part of the large-scale military reorganization and severe budget cuts that affected the Russian Armed Forces during that period.

The site is completely abandoned and in an advanced state of dereliction. Satellite imagery and reports from visitors confirm that the concrete runway, taxiways, and aircraft hardstands are crumbling and heavily overgrown with vegetation. All buildings, including hangars, barracks, and command posts, are in ruins. The base is not maintained and sees no official use. It has become a destination for urban explorers and military history enthusiasts.

Originally constructed as Keton Airfield (気屯飛行場) by the Japanese Empire during its control of southern Sakhalin (Karafuto Prefecture) before 1945. After the Soviet invasion in August 1945, the airfield was captured and subsequently expanded into a major Soviet Air Force base. Throughout the Cold War, Leonidovo was a key strategic asset in the Far East Military District. It was the home base for the 334th 'Berlin Red Banner' Military Transport Aviation Regiment (334 VTAP). This regiment operated a fleet of Antonov An-12 'Cub' transport aircraft, tasked with providing critical airlift, paratrooper deployment, and logistical support for Soviet forces on Sakhalin Island and the surrounding Kuril Islands, a region of high tension and strategic importance opposite Japan and US Pacific forces.

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening or redeveloping the Leonidovo Air Base. The cost of rebuilding the entire infrastructure from its current ruined state would be prohibitive. Furthermore, its strategic role has been superseded by other active military and dual-use airports in the region, such as Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport. Reactivation is considered highly unlikely.