Strängnäs Air Base

The closure was a multi-stage process. First, it was closed as a military air base due to the restructuring of the Swedish Armed Forces and the phasing out of the 'Bas 60' system after the Cold War. It was then used for general aviation by a local flying club (Strängnäs Flygklubb). The final closure occurred when the land was sold and repurposed for agricultural and industrial use, making aviation activities no longer feasible.

The site is no longer recognizable as an active airport. The land has been completely repurposed. The most significant development is the construction of a large solar park (solcellspark) directly on the former main runway and taxiway areas. Other parts of the former base are used for agriculture (notably organic farming by 'Gröna Gårdar Malmby') and light industrial or logistics operations. While some concrete surfaces and old military infrastructure like hangars may still exist, they are integrated into these new commercial and agricultural uses.

Strängnäs Air Base, more accurately known as Malmby Air Base (Krigsflygfält 18), was a significant component of Sweden's defense strategy during the Cold War.

1. **WWII Origins:** It was initially constructed during World War II as a 'Krigsflygfält' (wartime airfield) as part of a network of dispersed fields to protect the Swedish Air Force from a potential surprise attack.

2. **Bas 60 System:** Its primary historical importance comes from its role in the 'Bas 60' system. This was a unique Swedish military concept where air bases were designed for maximum survivability. Bas 60 bases featured a main runway, multiple shorter taxiways that could also be used as runways, and dispersed aircraft parking spots hidden in the surrounding forest. Sections of public roads were often integrated into the base to serve as alternate runways. Malmby was a key 'Bas 60' base, primarily intended to support the F 11 Södermanland Wing, a reconnaissance wing based in Nyköping. It would have hosted reconnaissance aircraft like the Saab S 29 Tunnan, S 32 Lansen, and potentially the S 35 Draken.

3. **Post-Military Use:** After its military decommissioning, it served the local community as a general aviation airfield, home to the Strängnäs Flying Club, supporting private pilots and recreational flying until its final closure.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airport. The construction of the large, permanent solar power plant on the primary runway surfaces makes any future aviation use impossible without its complete removal, which is highly improbable. The land has been permanently converted to non-aviation use.