**Russia Converts Kerch Airport in Crimea into Military Base, Investigation Shows**
The Kerch Airport in occupied Crimea is being transformed from a civilian to a military facility, according to an investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Schemes project. The airport has been repurposed for indefinite use by Russia’s Defense Ministry, as per official records.
**Illegal Annexation and Heavily Militarized Zone**
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after a disputed referendum under military occupation. Since then, the peninsula has become a heavily militarized zone. The annexation was widely condemned by the international community, with many countries recognizing Ukraine’s sovereignty over Crimea.
**Construction and Military Infrastructure**
Satellite images from Planet Labs show ongoing construction at the airport site, including the installation of protective and camouflage structures around the runway. This suggests that the airport is being converted into a military facility capable of supporting drone operations or housing short-range air defense systems such as the Pantsir-S1 or Tor-M2.
**Expert Analysis**
According to aviation expert Anatoly Khrapchinsky, the new runway will be suitable for drone launches. The changes at Kerch Airport are part of Russia’s efforts to establish a strong military presence in Crimea. “The airport is being transformed into a military facility capable of supporting various types of military operations,” Khrapchinsky said.
**Background and Context**
Kerch Airport has not hosted regular commercial flights since 2007, and was previously used as a truck holding area for freight vehicles crossing the nearby ferry. That function was relocated in March 2025, officially as part of a “reorganization.” The city of Kerch lies near the strategic Kerch Strait and is home to the crucial Crimean Bridge, built after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
**Conclusion**
The investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Schemes project highlights Russia’s continued militarization of Crimea. The conversion of Kerch Airport into a military base demonstrates Russia’s efforts to solidify its control over the peninsula. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high, the developments at Kerch Airport are likely to be monitored closely by international observers.
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