Khvalynka Air Base

A combination of military restructuring, force reduction, and technical obsolescence. The primary reason was the massive downsizing of the Russian Armed Forces after the collapse of the USSR. This specific airfield, with its shorter and less robust runway, was superseded by the larger, adjacent Spassk-Dalny Air Base (ICAO: UHWL). Operations were consolidated at the main base, and units stationed in the complex were either disbanded (like the 821st Fighter Aviation Regiment in 1994) or relocated, making this secondary airfield redundant.

The airfield at these coordinates is completely abandoned and in a state of advanced decay. High-resolution satellite imagery shows that the runway, taxiways, and aircraft dispersal pads (revetments) are crumbling and heavily overgrown with grass, shrubs, and trees. All associated buildings are in ruins. The site is non-functional for any aviation purposes and is slowly being reclaimed by nature. There is no evidence of any current military or civilian use.

Khvalynka Air Base (often referred to as Spassk-Dalny's 'old' or 'west' airfield) was a significant Soviet Air Force (VVS) and Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) installation during the Cold War. Located in the strategically vital Far East Military District near the border with China, its primary role was air defense. The Spassk-Dalny aviation complex, of which this airfield was a part, hosted several fighter regiments over its history. Notable units included the 40th Fighter Aviation Regiment (40 IAP), which flew aircraft such as the MiG-17 and MiG-21, and later the 821st Fighter Aviation Regiment (821 IAP), which operated the MiG-23ML/MLD. The base was a critical component of the Soviet Union's air defense network, tasked with intercepting potential intruders and projecting air power in the Pacific region.

There are zero known plans or prospects for reopening this specific airfield. The infrastructure is beyond repair and would require a complete and costly reconstruction. The Russian Ministry of Defence has focused on modernizing and consolidating its forces at a smaller number of key, upgraded air bases. The nearby main Spassk-Dalny Air Base (UHWL) remains as a viable (though currently low-activity) military airfield, making the reopening of this derelict secondary site strategically and economically unjustifiable.