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{{Infobox Airport
{{Infobox military installation
| name = Alakurtti
| name = Alakurtti
| ensign = Naval ensign of Russia.svg
| nativename =
| nativename-a =
| ensign_size = 90px
| nativename-r =
| native_name =
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| image =
| location = [[Alakurtti (rural locality)|Alakurtti]], [[Murmansk Oblast]]
| image-width =
| caption =
| country = Russia
| IATA =
| image =
| ICAO =
| alt =
| caption =
| type = military
| image2 = <!--secondary image, major command emblems for airfields -->
| owner =
| alt2 =
⚫
| operator = [[Russian Navy]]
| caption2 =
⚫
| city-served = Alakurtti
| location =
| type = Air Base
⚫
| coordinates = {{Coord|66|58|24|N|030|20|42|E|type:airport}}
| elevation-f = 538
| pushpin_map = Russia Murmansk Oblast#Russia
⚫
| elevation-m = 164
| pushpin_map_caption = Shown within Murmansk Oblast
⚫
| coordinates = {{Coord|66|58|24|N|030|20|42|E|type:airport}}
⚫
| pushpin_label = Alakurtti
⚫
| website =
| pushpin_label_position =
| metric-elev =
| ownership = [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Ministry of Defence]]
| metric-rwy =
⚫
| operator = [[Russian Navy]]
⚫
| r1-number =
| controlledby = <!-- Air and Air Defence Forces Army -->
| r1-length-f = 8,202
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| r1-length-m = 2,500
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
⚫
| r1-surface = [[Concrete]]
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc -->
| stat-year =
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc -->
| stat1-header =
| code = <!--facility/installation code -->
| stat1-data =
| built = {{Start date|1940}}
| stat2-header =
| used = 1940 - {{End date|2014}}
| stat2-data =
| footnotes =
| builder =
| materials =
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| condition =
| battles =
| events =
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison = <!-- such as the 25th Bombardment Group -->
| occupants = <!-- squadrons only -->
| designations =
⚫
| website =
| footnotes = <!-- catchall in case it's needed to preserve something in infobox that doesn't work in new code -->
<!-- begin airfield information -->
| IATA =
| ICAO =
| FAA =
| TC =
| LID =
| GPS =
| WMO =
⚫
| elevation = {{Convert|164|m|0}}
| r1-number = 12/30
| r1-length = {{Convert|2500|m|0}}
⚫
| r1-surface = Concrete
⚫
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-surface =
| airfield_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities -->
<!-- end airfield information -->
}}
}}


⚫
'''Alakurtti Air Base''' is a former naval air base in [[Murmansk Oblast]], [[Russia]] located 3&nbsp;km northwest of [[Alakurtti (rural locality)|Alakurtti]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Russia moves first troops to Arctic base near Finnish border |website=Alaska Dispatch News |date=January 15, 2015 |url=http://www.adn.com/article/20150115/russia-moves-first-troops-arctic-base-near-finnish-border |accessdate=September 6, 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628181642/http://www.adn.com/article/20150115/russia-moves-first-troops-arctic-base-near-finnish-border |archivedate=June 28, 2015 }}</ref> It was serviced by the 4th Naval Bomber Regiment ([[Sukhoi Su-24]]) and 485 OVP (485th Independent Helicopter Regiment) flying ([[Mil Mi-24]] and [[Mil Mi-8]]).
⚫
'''Alakurtti Air Base''' is a naval air base in [[Murmansk Oblast]], [[Russia]] located 3&nbsp;km northwest of [[Alakurtti (rural locality)|Alakurtti]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Russia moves first troops to Arctic base near Finnish border |website=Alaska Dispatch News |date=January 15, 2015 |url=http://www.adn.com/article/20150115/russia-moves-first-troops-arctic-base-near-finnish-border |accessdate=September 6, 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628181642/http://www.adn.com:80/article/20150115/russia-moves-first-troops-arctic-base-near-finnish-border |archivedate=June 28, 2015 |df= }}</ref> It is serviced by the 4th Naval Bomber Regiment ([[Su-24]]) and 485 OVP (485th Independent Helicopter Regiment) flying ([[Mi-24]] and [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]]).


==History==
The former camp of the [[54th Motor Rifle Division]] was reoccupied by a new arctic motor rifle brigade from January 2015.<ref>[http://bmpd.livejournal.com/1139162.html мотострелковая (арктическая) бригада СФ-ОСК "Север" получила Боевое Знамя]</ref>
===World War II===
The construction of the airfield in the then Finnish village of Alakurtti began shortly before the start of World War II. After the Winter War ended on 13 March 1940, the village was ceded to the Soviet Union. The airfield and village were captured by the 6th Infantry Division of the Finnish Army and the [[169th Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)|169th Mountain Infantry Division]] of the Wehrmacht in August 1941. Before the liberation on September 14, 1944, the military airfield played an important role for Germany: it carried out raids on [[Kandalaksha]] and the [[Kirov Railway]]. After unsuccessful attempts of the German troops to capture Murmansk, the fighting moved to the south and the airfield received German airplanes.

Throughout the war, the airfield was subjected to repeated bombardments by Soviet pilots. The 195th IAP, the 101st NKVD Stand, the 668th NBAP, the 828th SHAP and others participated in the battles for the airfield. On March 10, 1943, the 828th Ground Attack Aviation Svirsky Order of Suvorov Regiment, with 8 [[Ilyushin Il-2|Il-2]] aircraft under the command of Lieutenant Nikolai Kukushkin, made an attack on the airbase. More than 40 aircraft were destroyed during the attack, a fuel depot was blown up, and many airfield buildings were burned.

After liberation at the end of 1944, the [[415th Fighter Aviation Regiment]] was based at the airfield, performing tasks during the [[Petsamo–Kirkenes offensive|Petsamo-Kirkenes operation]].

===Cold War===

In the 1950s Alakurtti was being monitored by the US intelligence community for development into a strategic bomber base capable of reaching the US,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170123112526/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp79r01012a003400040001-1 SOVIET CAPABILITIES FOR ATTACK ON THE US THROUGH 1957], CIA-RDP79R01012A003400040001-1, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC, February 24, 1954.</ref> but Soviet [[Long Range Aviation]] began developing nearby [[Olenya]] air base instead. The airfield then took on an air defense role in the 1950s, hosting a fighter division of the 22nd Air Army,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170123175100/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP78T05439A000400390047-8.pdf SOVIET AIR DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS OF ADVANCED DESIGN LOCATED AT KRASNO-VODSK, MURMASHI AND ORSK IN THE USSR], CIA-RDP78T05439A000400390047-8, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC, October 2, 1959.</ref> subordinate to an air defense center at Severomorsk.

As Alakurtti is only 50&nbsp;km (30 miles) from the border with Finland, a significant Army presence has existed since the [[Cold War]] era. The 85th Separate Helicopter Squadron of the 6th Army Air Force and Air Defense operated [[Mi-8]] and Mi-24 helicopters. In the 1980s Alakurtti hosted a Mi-8PP (Hip-K) helicopter regiment specializing in electronic jamming.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170121195957/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp84t00491r000100580001-3 ORGANIZATION OF SOVIET ARMY AVIATION HELICOPTER ASSETS], CIA-RDP84T00491R000100580001-3, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC, February 1, 1984.</ref> A tank/assault gun firing range is also located about 5&nbsp;km (3 miles) north of the airfield.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170123140325/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp78t04759a002200010072-4 SOVIET MILITARY ORDER OF BATTLE LENINGRAD MD], CIA-RDP78T04759A002200010072-4, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC, December 1, 1965.</ref> The helicopter squadron was disbanded in December 2009 and its assets moved to [[Monchegorsk (air base)|Monchegorsk]].

The former camp of the [[54th Motor Rifle Division]] was reoccupied by a new arctic motor rifle brigade from January 2015. Reports indicate that Russia reopened the military base as a garrison of 3,000 radioelectronics experts.<ref>Accessed 16 April 2022, https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-arctic-base-miles-from-finnish-border-2015-1</ref> In 2015, ITAR-TASS reported (through an English language Finnish news service) that motorized infantry brigade is stationed at this base. Russian newspapers reported that brigades at this base would eventually grow to 7,000 soldiers.<ref>Accessed 16 April, 2022 https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/russia_moves_first_troops_to_arctic_base_near_finnish_border/7736771</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Russian Navy]]
[[Category:Installations of the Russian Navy]]
[[Category:Soviet Naval Aviation bases]]
[[Category:Soviet Naval Aviation bases]]
[[Category:Military installations of Russia]]
{{Russia-mil-stub}}

Latest revision as of 21:13, 7 September 2023

Alakurtti
Alakurtti, Murmansk Oblast in Russia
Alakurtti is located in Murmansk Oblast
Alakurtti
Alakurtti
Shown within Murmansk Oblast
Alakurtti is located in Russia
Alakurtti
Alakurtti
Alakurtti (Russia)
Coordinates66°58′24″N 030°20′42″E / 66.97333°N 30.34500°E / 66.97333; 30.34500
TypeAir Base
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defence
OperatorRussian Navy
Site history
Built1940 (1940)
In use1940 - 2014 (2014)
Airfield information
Elevation164 metres (538 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
12/30 2,500 metres (8,202 ft) Concrete

Alakurtti Air Base is a former naval air base in Murmansk Oblast, Russia located 3 km northwest of Alakurtti.[1] It was serviced by the 4th Naval Bomber Regiment (Sukhoi Su-24) and 485 OVP (485th Independent Helicopter Regiment) flying (Mil Mi-24 and Mil Mi-8).

History

[edit]

World War II

[edit]

The construction of the airfield in the then Finnish village of Alakurtti began shortly before the start of World War II. After the Winter War ended on 13 March 1940, the village was ceded to the Soviet Union. The airfield and village were captured by the 6th Infantry Division of the Finnish Army and the 169th Mountain Infantry Division of the Wehrmacht in August 1941. Before the liberation on September 14, 1944, the military airfield played an important role for Germany: it carried out raids on Kandalaksha and the Kirov Railway. After unsuccessful attempts of the German troops to capture Murmansk, the fighting moved to the south and the airfield received German airplanes.

Throughout the war, the airfield was subjected to repeated bombardments by Soviet pilots. The 195th IAP, the 101st NKVD Stand, the 668th NBAP, the 828th SHAP and others participated in the battles for the airfield. On March 10, 1943, the 828th Ground Attack Aviation Svirsky Order of Suvorov Regiment, with 8 Il-2 aircraft under the command of Lieutenant Nikolai Kukushkin, made an attack on the airbase. More than 40 aircraft were destroyed during the attack, a fuel depot was blown up, and many airfield buildings were burned.

After liberation at the end of 1944, the 415th Fighter Aviation Regiment was based at the airfield, performing tasks during the Petsamo-Kirkenes operation.

Cold War

[edit]

In the 1950s Alakurtti was being monitored by the US intelligence community for development into a strategic bomber base capable of reaching the US,[2] but Soviet Long Range Aviation began developing nearby Olenya air base instead. The airfield then took on an air defense role in the 1950s, hosting a fighter division of the 22nd Air Army,[3] subordinate to an air defense center at Severomorsk.

As Alakurtti is only 50 km (30 miles) from the border with Finland, a significant Army presence has existed since the Cold War era. The 85th Separate Helicopter Squadron of the 6th Army Air Force and Air Defense operated Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters. In the 1980s Alakurtti hosted a Mi-8PP (Hip-K) helicopter regiment specializing in electronic jamming.[4] A tank/assault gun firing range is also located about 5 km (3 miles) north of the airfield.[5] The helicopter squadron was disbanded in December 2009 and its assets moved to Monchegorsk.

The former camp of the 54th Motor Rifle Division was reoccupied by a new arctic motor rifle brigade from January 2015. Reports indicate that Russia reopened the military base as a garrison of 3,000 radioelectronics experts.[6] In 2015, ITAR-TASS reported (through an English language Finnish news service) that motorized infantry brigade is stationed at this base. Russian newspapers reported that brigades at this base would eventually grow to 7,000 soldiers.[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Russia moves first troops to Arctic base near Finnish border". Alaska Dispatch News. January 15, 2015. Archived from the original on June 28, 2015. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  2. ^ SOVIET CAPABILITIES FOR ATTACK ON THE US THROUGH 1957, CIA-RDP79R01012A003400040001-1, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC, February 24, 1954.
  3. ^ SOVIET AIR DEFENSE INSTALLATIONS OF ADVANCED DESIGN LOCATED AT KRASNO-VODSK, MURMASHI AND ORSK IN THE USSR, CIA-RDP78T05439A000400390047-8, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC, October 2, 1959.
  4. ^ ORGANIZATION OF SOVIET ARMY AVIATION HELICOPTER ASSETS, CIA-RDP84T00491R000100580001-3, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC, February 1, 1984.
  5. ^ SOVIET MILITARY ORDER OF BATTLE LENINGRAD MD, CIA-RDP78T04759A002200010072-4, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC, December 1, 1965.
  6. ^ Accessed 16 April 2022, https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-arctic-base-miles-from-finnish-border-2015-1
  7. ^ Accessed 16 April, 2022 https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/russia_moves_first_troops_to_arctic_base_near_finnish_border/7736771
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