 Dno air base was established by the Soviet Union base prior to World War II to serve the Soviet Air Force, with the 7th Air Army operating from there during Winter War from 1939 to 1940.In 1941, Dno was captured by Nazi Germany during Operation Barbarossa and given the German name "Flugplatz Griwotschki" (Grivochki Airfield), who renovated and expanded it for use by the "Luftwaffe".On March 15, 1943, the air base was raided by the Soviet 202nd High-speed Bomber Aviation Regiment, reportedly destroying 20 German planes and permanently crippling German air activity in the area.