Day of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: how Ukrainian pilots protect the country's sky.

Today, August 3, is celebrated as the Day of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Every year in Ukraine, this holiday falls on the first Sunday of August.

Novyny.LIVE has prepared interesting facts about the Day of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Thus, the Day of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of August. In 2025, this holiday falls on August 3. This day is dedicated to all those who daily defend the Ukrainian sky — pilots, anti-aircraft gunners, specialists of radio technical troops and aviation engineers.

The Day of the Air Forces as a separate professional holiday was established by the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 108/2007 dated June 27, 2007. Until that time, the Air Forces did not have a separate day of commemoration, and they were honored along with other branches of the military. The initiative to create a separate holiday was due to the important role of this branch of the military in Ukraine's national security.

The Air Forces are one of the key branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their main task is to protect the airspace of Ukraine, to carry out air defense, aviation support for Ground and Naval Forces, as well as to strike at the enemy.

The Air Forces consist of:

• fighter aviation;
• bomber and assault aviation;
• military transport aviation;
• anti-aircraft missile troops;
• radio technical troops;
• logistics and command units.

Among Ukrainian military aviators, there are many Heroes of Ukraine. One of the most famous is Colonel Vyacheslav Yerko, who died during a combat mission. Many pilots, engineers, and anti-aircraft gunners perished while performing combat tasks and became true heroes for Ukrainians.

The symbol of the resilience of the Air Forces has also become the Ghost of Kyiv — a generalized image of a Ukrainian fighter pilot who inspired thousands of people around the world in the first months of the great war. He is described as a MiG-29 pilot who achieved 6 aerial victories in the sky over Kyiv during the first 30 hours of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

---The Ukrainian Air Forces celebrate their professional holiday on the first Sunday of August. This important holiday honors all those who defend the Ukrainian sky, including pilots, anti-aircraft gunners, and specialists of radio technical troops. The Air Forces play a key role in the defense of the country, carrying out tasks to protect the airspace, support other branches of the military, and strike at the enemy. It is important to honor the heroic feats of Ukrainian aviators, who have become true symbols of bravery and resilience in the face of the enemy.