The airfield was a fighter-bomber training area during the Cold War.

It was home to the 1169th BRAT (1169th Aviation Equipment Reserve Base) flying Mil Mi-8 and Mil Mi-24 helicopters.

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine the 18th Guards Assault Aviation Regiment was deployed here using Sukhoi Su-25s from Chernigovka (air base).

[2][3][4][5] These were supported by the 266th Assault Aviation Regiment with their Sukhoi Su-25's from Step (air base).

[6] In early October 2022 it was reported that Russia had deployed approximately 20 Shahed-136 drones to the base.