Salmi Air Base

The air base was closed as part of the large-scale military drawdown and force restructuring that occurred after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The specific unit stationed at Salmi, the 991st Fighter Aviation Regiment, was disbanded, and its primary aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-15TM interceptor, was being retired from service across the Russian Air Force. The closure was driven by economic constraints and a re-evaluation of strategic needs in the post-Cold War era.

The air base is completely abandoned and in a state of advanced decay. Satellite imagery confirms that the main runway, taxiways, and aircraft dispersal pads are still visible but are severely deteriorated, with concrete slabs cracked and displaced, and significant vegetation overgrowth. All associated technical and residential buildings are in ruins. The site is not officially used for any purpose and is inaccessible for aviation. It is sometimes used unofficially by local residents for recreational purposes such as driving or exploring.

Salmi Air Base was a significant forward operating base for the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) during the Cold War. Its strategic location in the Republic of Karelia, close to the Finnish border, made it a crucial component of the air defense network protecting the northwestern approaches to the USSR, including the major city of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). The base was home to the 991st Fighter Aviation Regiment (991 IAP), which was part of the 5th Air Defence Division of the 6th Independent Air Defence Army. The regiment operated interceptor aircraft, notably the MiG-17 and later the all-weather Sukhoi Su-15TM 'Flagon', designed to intercept and destroy enemy bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. The airfield's layout, featuring a long concrete runway and numerous dispersed, hardened aircraft revetments hidden in the surrounding forest, is a classic example of Soviet military doctrine for ensuring aircraft survivability.

There are no known or credible plans to reopen or reactivate Salmi Air Base. The cost of restoring the heavily degraded infrastructure to modern operational standards would be prohibitive. Russia's current military posture relies on other modernized and strategically located airfields in the region, such as Besovets Air Base. Therefore, the prospect of reopening Salmi is considered extremely unlikely.