Blagoyevo Air Base

Military downsizing and economic reasons. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the newly independent Ukrainian Air Force underwent a massive restructuring and consolidation. Many Soviet-era air bases, including Blagoyevo, were deemed redundant or too expensive to maintain, leading to the disbandment of the stationed unit and the subsequent abandonment of the facility.

The air base is completely abandoned and in a state of severe dereliction. Satellite imagery confirms that the main runway, taxiways, and dispersal areas with their hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) are still visible but are heavily decayed. Many of the concrete slabs from the runway and aprons have been systematically dismantled and removed over the years, likely for use as construction materials. The site is overgrown with vegetation and the remaining buildings are in ruins. It serves no military, aviation, or civilian purpose and is effectively a relic of the Soviet era.

Blagoyevo Air Base was a significant Cold War-era military airfield of the Soviet Air Forces. Its primary historical importance lies in hosting the 642nd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (642 GvIAP). This regiment was part of the 5th Air Army. During its active years, the base was home to advanced fighter aircraft. Initially, the regiment flew MiG-23ML/MLD 'Flogger' aircraft. In the late 1980s, it was one of the units to re-equip with the modern MiG-29 'Fulcrum' (izdeliye 9.12) fighters. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the base and the 642nd GvIAP were transferred to the Ukrainian Air Force, where it continued to operate MiG-29s as part of Ukraine's air defense network until the regiment was disbanded.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Blagoyevo Air Base. The cost of restoring the airfield to an operational state would be prohibitive due to the extensive damage and dismantling of its core infrastructure (runway, taxiways, and support facilities). Ukraine has other active and better-preserved airfields to meet its military needs. The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine since 2022 makes any non-essential, large-scale infrastructure projects like this even more improbable.