Pápa Air Base

Pápa Air Base is a military airbase located near Pápa, Hungary. The building of the airport started in 1936. The Hungarian Air Force has three active air bases, and is the only active air base in western Hungary.

During World War II, several German and Hungarian units used the air base. In 1944 the air base was the biggest air base of the Royal Hungarian Air Force. On October 1, 1939 the Royal Hungarian Army's 1st Parachute Company was created. Commanding officer was captain/major Vitéz Árpád Bertalan. The company was expanded to battalion level in the end of August 1940, and named the Royal Hungarian Army's 1st Honvéd Parachute Battalion.

After World War II, a Soviet fighter regiment was stationed in Pápa. The Soviet Air Force used the base from 1945 until 1961.