Identifying the longest military airbase runways globally involves complexities due to many airports serving dual military and civilian purposes. Some locations feature unique runway types, such as ice runways in Antarctica and unpaved lakebed runways in California. This analysis primarily focuses on dedicated military airbase runways while acknowledging significant dual-use facilities.
The list prominently features bases from the United States, which holds strategic advantages due to its historical focus on military transport and bomber operations. Russia, inheriting its air force from the Soviet Union, has fewer long, dedicated military runways, with the longest being around 11,500 feet (3,505 meters) at either Ukrainka or Engels.
6. Ben Guerir Air Base, Morocco
With a runway length of 13,720 feet (4,182 meters), extending to 15,720 feet (4,791 meters) in specific conditions, Ben Guerir Air Base serves the Royal Moroccan Air Force. Located near Marrakech, this base was formerly a United States Air Force facility and a Transatlantic Abort Landing site for NASA’s Space Shuttle. Established in 1951, it was pivotal during the Cold War and supported numerous missions until its deactivation as a NASA site in 2005. Currently, it hosts Moroccan F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons and is considered for future operations involving the F-35 fighter jet.
5. Eielson Air Force Base, USA
Located in Alaska, Eielson Air Force Base features a runway measuring 14,530 feet (4,429 meters), making it one of the longest globally. This base is crucial for Arctic training exercises, including the renowned Red Flag operations involving various allied fighter jets. The extended runway caters to heavy fuel loads and harsh winter conditions, making it essential for the deployment of significant bombers during the early Cold War.
4. Vandenberg Space Force Base, USA
Vandenberg Space Force Base boasts a runway length of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters), primarily used for space launches. This facility, which transitioned from the US Air Force to the Space Force in 2021, supports military strategic transport missions alongside civil and commercial space operations. Its long runway allows for enhanced aircraft performance, particularly under heavy payloads, and improves operational flexibility in various weather conditions.
3. Edwards Air Force Base, USA
Edwards Air Force Base is notable for its 15,024-foot (4,579 meters) runway, which is the longest military-only paved runway. It is vital for testing new aircraft and experimental operations. The base holds historical significance, being the site where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier, and has hosted numerous groundbreaking flights. The 412th Test Wing manages operations for over 10,000 personnel across a vast installation area.
2. Shigatse Peace Airport, China
Shigatse Peace Airport, located in Tibet, features a runway length of 16,404 feet (5,000 meters) and serves both military and civilian purposes. This airport, previously a People’s Liberation Army Air Force base, required a long runway due to its high altitude of 12,408 feet, where thinner air affects aircraft performance. In addition, Qamdo Bamda Airport, also in Tibet, previously claimed the title of the longest paved runway used for scheduled flight operations at 18,045 feet (5,500 meters), although its current length is around 14,764 feet (4,500 meters) following reconstruction.
1. Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, USA
The longest usable military runway, when considering the Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, measures over 39,060 feet (11,905 meters). While not a declared runway, this vast area serves as a crucial testing ground for experimental aircraft. The primary paved runway, Runway 04R/22L, connects directly to the lakebed, allowing for extensive operations. This unique setup has made it a site for many significant aviation milestones, including NASA Space Shuttle landings.
Overall, these military airbases illustrate the strategic importance of long runways in modern military operations, enabling various training, testing, and deployment activities across diverse environments.
