Location
Matsuwa Airfield is located near Tagan Cape (Cape Tagan) on Matua Island (Matsuwa, Матуа). Also known as Tagan Cape Airfield.

Construction
The Japanese constructed an "L" shaped airfield with two intersecting runways. The first runway measured 4,000' by 140' and the second runway measured 2,900' by 165'. The airfield was supported by a system of taxiways and ramps, four 100' x 140' hangars, revetments, a large warehouse and an underground storage area for fuel storage.

Wartime History
Used by the Imperial Japanese to defend the central Kuriles and served as a staging airfield for aircraft flying to the northeastern Kuriles. The airfield area was defended by eight heavy and four light anti-aircraft gun positions and a system of coastal guns directed by radar and searchlights. Two air defense radar sites were located on the island.

American missions against Matsuwa Airfield
February 25, 1944–July 20, 1945

Postwar
Occupied by the Soviet Union in late August 1945. Postwar, Matsuwa Airfield was possibly used by Soviet aircraft.

Today
Matsuwa Airfield is disused. Many fuel drums are abandoned at the airfield, including several German 200l fuel drums. The tops of these drums are embossed with: "KRAFTSTOFF - CEFAHRLICH-WEHRMACHT - ggb 1943 200L FEUER". Likely, these fuel drums were captured by the Soviets and transported to Matsuwa postwar and abandoned.

References
Study, Advanced Intelligence Center, North Pacific Area, The Kurile Islands, Vol. II, page 5-7
North Pacific Skies - Matsuwa Airfield
Photobucket - Matsuwa Island, Kurils Pictures & Images uploaded by 727Kiwi
Kuril Klimate by Nota Bene September 10, 2014

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Last Updated
April 19, 2021