INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Russia is reconstructing a long-dormant military airport on its far northern Kola Peninsula as part of a major upgrade of Northern Fleet
Fleet commander Admiral Alexander Moiseyev said it is among the Russian Arctic military airfields to be reconstructed and reopened by
The network development plan until 2030 includes the construction of two [airstrips] in Nagurskoye and Temp, as well as reconstruction of
news agency.Comprehensive investments are needed
After being abandoned 25 years ago, most of Severomorsk-2's facilities and gear on taxiways were looted
The 1,800-meter runway is still intact, but in bad shape with severe cracks that can even be seen from satellite images.In recent years, the
kilometers to the northeast of the former air base.The former seaplane facility at Safonovo, south of Severomorsk in the Kola Bay, will also
be re-established, Moiseyev said.No details were provided on which aircraft could possibly be based at the revived Severomorsk-2
The airstrip upgrade could be a preparation for more advanced UAVs that Russia has said will play an important role in future military
plans.Today, the Northern Fleet has two major air bases on the Kola Peninsula: Severomorsk-1 and Severomorsk-3.Located on the outskirts of
Severomorsk city, the Severomorsk-1 air base has a 3,500-meter runway and is home to maritime surveillance aircraft (Il-38) and
of Murmansk.There are two other military air bases on the Kola Peninsula as well: the Olenya near Olenogorsk, which is home to long-range
Tu-22 bombers, and the Monchegorsk, which houses fighter jets.This article has been adapted from its original version published by The
