Tatsinskaya Airfield

Military restructuring and downsizing after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The airfield was home to the 809th Training Aviation Regiment (809 УАП), which was part of the Kachinsk Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots. The regiment, which flew L-29 and L-39 trainer jets, was disbanded, leading to the closure of the base.

The airfield is completely abandoned and in a state of decay. Satellite imagery confirms that the main runway, taxiways, and aircraft revetments are still clearly visible but are heavily cracked, weathered, and overgrown with grass and shrubs. Most of the support buildings and hangars are derelict, with many in ruins or completely dismantled. The site is not maintained and is used for no official purpose. It is effectively a brownfield site.

The airfield has profound historical significance dating back to World War II. During the Battle of Stalingrad in late 1942, it was a critical forward airbase for the German Luftwaffe, used to conduct the vital but ultimately failed airlift to supply the encircled German 6th Army. It was the primary hub for Junkers Ju 52 transport planes. In December 1942, the airfield became the objective of the 'Raid on Tatsinskaya,' a daring deep raid by the Soviet 24th Tank Corps as part of Operation Little Saturn. On December 24, Soviet tanks overran the airfield, destroying a large number of German aircraft on the ground (estimates range from 70 to over 100). This action severely crippled the Luftwaffe's airlift capacity and was a major factor in the eventual German surrender at Stalingrad. After the war, it was integrated into the Soviet Air Force's network of training airfields.

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening the airfield. The extensive deterioration of the runway and infrastructure would require a complete and costly reconstruction. Given its location and the lack of a modern strategic or economic need, its revival is considered highly unlikely.