Sowjetischer Flugplatz Mil
In the dense forests of East Germany lies ‘Sowjetischer Flugplatz Mil’ a former Soviet military airfield. The airfield was built in 1952 for the GSSD (Gruppe der Sowjetischen Streitkräfte in Deutschland). Until 1994 Soviet troops were stationed here. Adjacent to the airfield, barracks were built to house an artillery and a motor rifle regiment.
This airfiled was built during the Cold War for the Red Army. The airfield was home to an impressive fleet of Soviet helicopters, including the Mil Mi-2, Mi-6, Mi-8, and Mi-24, as well as Tupolev M-143 drones.
The last helicopter took off from the base on May 24, 1994, marking the end of the Soviet military presence.
Soviet murals
While most buildings are demolished or in ruins, one forgotten gem remains untouched. The former gymnasium of the Soviet troops is still as it was when the last soldiers left in 1994. Inside, murals depicting sports scenes cover the walls. These artworks, painted by Soviet soldiers, showcase athletes in action, highlighting the importance of physical fitness in the Soviet military. Despite the decay, the vibrant colors and bold strokes of the murals remain, frozen in time.
Walking through the gym feels like stepping into the past. The peeling paint, broken windows, and scattered debris tell a story of abandonment, yet the murals stand as a testament to the lives once lived here. This hidden relic of the Cold War era is a rare glimpse into Soviet military culture, preserved in an unexpected place.
Training ground
Today, most of the site is in use again. A tank driving school and a paintball field now occupy large parts of the premises. Since 2024, the facility serves as a realistic training ground for the Bundeswehr, allowing specialized forces to prepare for real-life scenarios with the latest equipment and techniques.
I visited the old military site in 2020.
