Shonguy Airfield

Military downsizing and restructuring following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The resident air defense regiment, the 9th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, was disbanded, and the base was subsequently abandoned due to economic reasons and a re-evaluation of strategic needs.

The airfield is completely abandoned and in a state of decay. Satellite imagery shows the runway, taxiways, and hardened aircraft shelters are still intact but are not maintained. The associated military garrison and technical buildings are derelict. The site is a popular destination for urban explorers and military history enthusiasts, but it has no official function.

Shonguy was a key Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) forward operating base during the Cold War, strategically located on the Kola Peninsula to protect the vital naval bases of the Northern Fleet, including Severomorsk and Murmansk. It was home to the 9th Guards Vilensky Order of Kutuzov Fighter Aviation Regiment. The regiment operated a succession of interceptor aircraft, including the MiG-17, MiG-19, Yak-25, Su-15TM, and ultimately the advanced MiG-31 Foxhound. Its primary mission was to intercept NATO bombers and reconnaissance aircraft, such as the B-52 and SR-71, over the Barents Sea.

There are no known official plans or prospects for reopening Shonguy Airfield. While Russia has been modernizing and reactivating some Arctic military infrastructure, Shonguy is not among the sites slated for redevelopment. The strategic air defense role in the region is fulfilled by other active airbases like Kilpyavr and Monchegorsk.