The construction of the airfield in the then Finnish village of Alakurtti began shortly before the start of World War II.

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

As Alakurtti is only 50 km (30 miles) from the border with Finland, a significant Army presence has existed since the Cold War era.

[6] In 2015, ITAR-TASS reported (through an English language Finnish news service) that motorized infantry brigade is stationed at this base.