Dobrynskoye Air Base

The closure was a direct result of the large-scale military restructuring and significant budget cuts that followed the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The specific regiments stationed at Dobrynskoye were either disbanded or relocated as part of these reforms. The final decommissioning in 2010 was part of Russia's 'New Look' military modernization program, which aimed to streamline forces and close bases deemed redundant.

The air base is currently abandoned and in a state of disrepair. The runway, taxiways, and aircraft hardstands are deteriorating, with vegetation growing through the concrete. The site has been largely unguarded for years, leading to scavenging of materials. It has been unofficially used for unsanctioned drag racing and other local events. In recent years, the land has been officially transferred from the Ministry of Defence to the Vladimir regional government with the intention of redeveloping the site. Some reports indicate that small-scale industrial activities, such as the production of paving slabs, have begun in some of the former base buildings.

During the Cold War, Dobrynskoye was a key strategic air base for the Soviet and later Russian Air Forces within the Moscow Military District. It was home to several elite units and played a crucial role in both reconnaissance and naval aviation training. Notable operations and units included:

- **47th Separate Guards Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment (47th OGvRAP):** This regiment operated advanced reconnaissance aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-24MR 'Fencer-E' and the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25RB 'Foxbat-B'. It provided critical intelligence for the Soviet military.

- **299th Instructor-Research Shipborne Fighter Aviation Regiment (299th IIKAP):** This was a highly specialized and important unit responsible for training naval pilots to operate from aircraft carriers. Pilots here trained on the Sukhoi Su-25UTG 'Frogfoot' and the carrier-based Sukhoi Su-33 'Flanker-D' fighter jets, intended for the Admiral Kuznetsov carrier. The disbandment of this unit in 1998 marked a significant setback for Russia's carrier aviation program.

The base featured a long runway (approximately 2,500 meters) and extensive infrastructure capable of supporting these advanced aircraft.

There are no credible plans to reopen Dobrynskoye as a military air base. The cost of restoring the airfield and its infrastructure to operational military standards would be prohibitive. Past discussions about converting it into a civilian airport for the city of Vladimir did not materialize, as preference was given to the existing Semyazino Airport. The current and most likely prospect for the site is economic redevelopment. The regional government of Vladimir has announced plans to create a large industrial park or a special economic zone on the territory of the former air base to attract investment and create jobs.