Ukraine celebrates Anti-Aircraft Missile Forces Day
Ukraine celebrates Anti-Aircraft Missile Forces Day, a special Air Force's military unit, defending Ukrainian skies, on July 3.
This day has been observed since July 2011, when the Ukraine's Defense Ministry established the professional holiday for Ukraine's anti-aircraft missile forces.
Although the air defense missile forces operate within the Air Force, Ground Forces, and Naval Forces of Ukraine, July 3 specifically honors those serving in the Ukrainian Air Force.
These soldiers are the frontline shield of Ukraine’s air defense, especially crucial during Russian aerial attacks, missile strikes, and air raids.
They protect Ukrainian cities, key administrative and political centers, industrial-economic regions, military groups, airfields, and other vital objects.
Ukrainian air defenders have also made remarkable achievements, including shooting down two Russian A-50U Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, as well as numerous Russian fighter jets and helicopters.
"Our sky is their front line - and they defend it," Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff highlighted sky defenders' crucial role in the war with Russia since 2022.
The Air Force air defense divisions were mostly equipped with older Soviet systems like the S-300, S-125, Buk, and Osa missile systems in the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Over two and a half years of intense war, Ukraine’s Anti-Aircraft Missile Forces have received numerous Western air defense systems, including:
- NASAMS
- IRIS-T
- Patriot
- SAMP/T
These Western systems have proven to be highly effective in Ukraine's defense efforts.
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