 In September 1982, the Yak-28s were replaced with 20 Sukhoi Su-15TM (Flagon) as part of a force upgrade.The Su-15 were flown by the 171st Fighter Aviation Regiment which was transferred from Bombora airfield, Gudauta, in the Abkhazian ASSR of the Georgian SSR.The 171st Regiment reported to the 23rd Air Defence Corps, 11th PVO Army.