Russia Closes Airspace Over Kapustin Yar, Launch Site for Oreshnik Missiles

Russia has restricted the use of airspace over the Kapustin Yar test range in the Astrakhan region.

The restriction was announced in NOTAM V5696/26, issued by the Rostov Flight Information Region (FIR).

The airspace will be restricted daily from September 28 through October 3, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Moscow time.

The restricted zone extends from the ground surface with no specified upper limit, meaning it formally covers the entire altitude range.

Kapustin Yar is used as a test range for missile technology.

The closure of the airspace has been linked to a possible launch of Russia’s Oreshnik ballistic missile.

However, the airspace restrictions could also be related to tests of other missile systems. Therefore, the issuance of the NOTAM does not establish what specific tests or launches Russia plans to conduct during this period.

In May 2025, Russia similarly closed the airspace over Kapustin Yar ahead of a possible ballistic missile launch between May 12 and 13.

No launches of missile weapons against Ukraine were recorded at the time.

A similar flight restriction was in effect on November 21, 2024, ahead of the ballistic missile strike on Dnipro involving the Kedr (Oreshnik) missile. At the time, the restrictions were in place between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. from November 21 to 23.

Similar notices were also issued for December 11–13, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. local time, while a second restriction was in effect from December 16 to 21.

Following this, on December 13, Russia launched a massive missile attack against Ukraine involving ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles.

Kapustin Yar

Kapustin Yar is a large Russian missile testing range in the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation. Its official name is the 4th State Central Interservice Testing Range of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The range covers a vast area with launch sites, tracking and measurement facilities, and designated zones where missile stages and warheads land. Its location allows launches over considerable distances and enables monitoring of missile flight trajectories.