Priluki Air Base

Priluki Air Base. It is a major strategic bomber base located near the city of Priluki in Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine. Historically a key facility for the Soviet Air Forces, it became a cornerstone of the Ukrainian Air Force's long-range aviation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The base is most notably associated with the operation of the Tupolev Tu-160 and Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber aircraft.

History

The airfield's origins trace to the 1930s, developed as part of the military expansion of the Soviet Union. During World War II, the area saw intense fighting during Operation Barbarossa and subsequent campaigns on the Eastern Front. In the postwar era, particularly during the Cold War, the base was significantly upgraded to serve as a primary operating location for the Soviet Strategic Aviation. It was a critical component of the Warsaw Pact's nuclear deterrent posture, hosting regiments equipped with long-range bombers capable of striking targets in NATO member states. Following the Belavezha Accords and Ukrainian independence, control of the base and its formidable aircraft fleet was transferred to the newly sovereign state, becoming a subject of complex negotiations with the Russian Federation over the fate of the strategic assets.

Units and operations

The principal unit historically stationed at the base was the 184th Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment, which operated the Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack. This regiment was part of the 46th Air Army of the Soviet Air Forces. After 1992, these forces were integrated into the Ukrainian Air Force, with the base serving as the home for Ukraine's sole strategic bomber division. Key operations included participation in major exercises like Zapad-81 during the Soviet era and, after independence, in cooperative training events such as Clear Sky 2018. The base's strategic role diminished following the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe and Ukraine's relinquishment of its nuclear arsenal under the Budapest Memorandum, leading to the dismantlement of many aircraft under programs like Nunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction.

Facilities and infrastructure

The base features extensive hardened aircraft shelters, extensive taxiways, and a long runway capable of handling the largest strategic bombers. Its infrastructure includes major maintenance and overhaul facilities for Tupolev aircraft, weapons storage areas, and barracks complexes. The airfield is equipped with advanced navigational aids and is supported by the nearby city of Priluki for logistical and personnel needs. The facility is designed for high-tempo operations and was built to withstand potential attacks, reflecting its critical role in Soviet war plans.

Accidents and incidents

On 29 October 1999, a Ukrainian Air Force Tupolev Tu-160 crashed into a field shortly after takeoff during a training flight, resulting in the deaths of all four crew members. The accident was attributed to an engine fire. This incident significantly impacted Ukraine's strategic aviation capabilities, reducing its already small fleet of operational bombers. The crash site was near the village of Ulanove, and the investigation involved both Ukrainian authorities and technical advisors from Tupolev design bureau.

See also

* Ukrainian Air Force * Soviet Air Forces * Tupolev Tu-160 * Strategic bomber * Myrhorod Air Base * Vasylkiv Air Base

Category:Airports in Ukraine Category:Ukrainian Air Force bases Category:Chernihiv Oblast