Tambovka Air Base

The air base was closed as part of the 2008 Russian military reform, often referred to as the 'New Look' reform. This large-scale reorganization aimed to streamline the armed forces by reducing the number of units and consolidating personnel and equipment at fewer, larger bases. Tambovka was one of many military installations deemed redundant under this new force structure, and its units were either disbanded or relocated.

The air base is abandoned and non-operational. Satellite imagery confirms that the extensive infrastructure, including the main runway (approximately 3000 meters), taxiways, and numerous hardened aircraft shelters, remains physically intact but is in a state of severe decay. The airfield is not maintained, and vegetation is encroaching on paved surfaces. Most support buildings and barracks are derelict, having been stripped of valuable materials over the years. The site is a 'ghost base' and is not used for any active aviation, military, or civilian purposes. It remains a former asset of the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Tambovka Air Base was a major strategic bomber base for Soviet Long-Range Aviation and later the Russian Air Force, located in the Far Eastern Military District. Its primary historical significance lies in its role during the Cold War as a forward base for nuclear-capable bombers.

Key details:
- **Primary Unit:** It was the long-time home of the 40th Guards 'Stalingrad-Red Banner' Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment (40 GvTBAP).
- **Aircraft Operated:** Over its history, the base hosted a succession of key Soviet bombers, including the Tupolev Tu-16 'Badger', the Tupolev Tu-22M2 'Backfire-B', and most notably, the Tupolev Tu-22M3 'Backfire-C' supersonic long-range strategic and maritime strike bombers.
- **Strategic Importance:** Due to its location, Tambovka was a critical component of the Soviet Union's strategic deterrent against targets in the Pacific theater, including China, Japan, and U.S. military installations in the region (e.g., Guam, naval fleets).
- **Other Units:** At various times, the base also hosted other units, such as the 89th Bomber Aviation Regiment (89 BAP) which flew Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer' tactical bombers.
- **ICAO Note:** The provided ICAO code 'RU-8914' is a non-standard identifier, likely from a flight simulator or unofficial database. Its official ICAO code when active was likely UHHT (УХХТ).

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening Tambovka Air Base. The strategic bomber force in Russia's Far East has been consolidated at other modernized airfields, such as the nearby Ukrainka Air Base, which hosts Tu-95MS strategic bombers. The cost to repair and modernize Tambovka's decaying infrastructure—including resurfacing the runway, restoring navigation and communication systems, and rebuilding support facilities—would be substantial. Given the lack of a current strategic requirement for the base, its reactivation is considered highly unlikely.