Veshevo Air Base
Veshchovo Airfield | |||||||||||
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| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Defunct | ||||||||||
| Serves | Leningrad Oblast, Russia | ||||||||||
| Location | Veshchovo-Leningrad Oblast, Russia | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 60°40′17″N 29°10′12″E / 60.67139°N 29.17000°E | ||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||
  Veshchovo Air Base Location in Russia | |||||||||||
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| Runways | |||||||||||
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Veshchovo Airfield (Veshevo Air Base) was a former military Air Base in village of Veshchovo-Leningrad Oblast, Russia
History
[edit]Veshchovo Airfield began in the 1950s when it was built during the Cold War. Initially, it housed Soviet fighter jets, transitioning from MiG-17 to Su-17M3 aircraft. It gained attention in 1988 for alleged involvement in a UFO incident and a plane hijacking.[1][2]
MiG-21UM Accident
[edit]During a training mission form Veshchsovo Air base, MiG-21UM crashed due to engine failaure at kingisepp on 20 October 1982 in Leningrad Oblast, Russia. The crew ejected safely.[3][4]
Post war
[edit]After World War II, Veshchovo Airfield was developed during the 1950s as part of the Soviet Union's Cold War infrastructure. It primarily served as a military airfield for fighter aircraft, including MiG-17s and later Su-17M3s. The airfield remained in operation through the Cold War era, contributing to the Soviet military presence near the border with Finland.[1][2]
Closure
[edit]Veshchovo Airfield was closed in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The airfield was abandoned by the military in 1994, and it gradually fell into disrepair due to looting and neglect. Attempts to repurpose the site were unsuccessful, and it remains in a derelict state today.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Veshevo Air Base". Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- ^ a b "MiG 17". Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- ^ "MiG-21UM Accident". Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- ^ "MiG-21UM". Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- https://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/iap/57gviap.htm - 57 GvIAP 1950s - 1978
- https://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/shap/66apib.htm - 66th Ind Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment at the base