Zimovniki Air Base

Military reform and unit disbandment. The air base was closed as a direct result of the major Russian military reforms initiated in 2008-2009. These reforms aimed to streamline the armed forces by consolidating smaller military units and bases into larger, more centralized structures. The resident unit at Zimovniki, the 4th Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment, was disbanded, and its personnel and assets were either retired or absorbed into other newly formed air bases. This closure was driven by strategic and economic considerations rather than a specific accident or event.

The air base is abandoned and non-operational. Satellite imagery confirms that the primary runway, extensive taxiway system, and dozens of hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) remain physically intact but are in a state of advanced decay. The concrete surfaces are cracked and heavily overgrown with vegetation, rendering them unusable for aviation. The support buildings and barracks are derelict. There is no military presence, and the site is not maintained. Unofficial reports suggest that local agricultural enterprises may use some of the former base's territory for grain storage or other purposes, but the airfield infrastructure itself is completely abandoned.

Zimovniki Air Base was a significant Soviet and later Russian Air Force installation. Its history can be divided into two main periods:

1. **Training Base (Soviet Era):** Originally, the airfield was home to the 963rd Training Aviation Regiment (963 UAP) of the Kachinsk Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots. During this time, it was a primary facility for training new pilots for the Soviet Air Force, operating trainer aircraft such as the Aero L-29 Delfín and later the Aero L-39 Albatros.

2. **Frontline Bomber Base (Post-Soviet Era):** Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the base's role changed dramatically. In 1992, the 4th Guards Pomeranian Red Banner Order of Suvorov Bomber Aviation Regiment (4 GvBAP), a decorated unit with history tracing back to World War II, was relocated to Zimovniki from Starokonstantinov, Ukraine. This regiment operated the Sukhoi Su-24M 'Fencer-D' tactical bomber. As a frontline bomber base, Zimovniki played a role in Russia's southern military posture, and its crews and aircraft participated in military operations, including the First and Second Chechen Wars.

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening Zimovniki Air Base. The cost to repair the decaying runway, taxiways, and support infrastructure to modern operational standards would be substantial. The Russian Aerospace Forces have focused on modernizing and consolidating their assets at larger, existing air bases in the Southern Military District, such as Morozovsk and Millerovo. Therefore, the reactivation of a smaller, derelict base like Zimovniki is considered highly improbable.