Air Force

The Air Force is one of the main branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their task is protecting the state's airspace. Structurally, the Air Force consists of the command, air commands, the Kharkiv National Air Force University, military units, and directly subordinated institutions. 

The Air Force includes different branches of aviation: bomber, fighter, assault, reconnaissance, and transport aviation, as well as troops such as anti-aircraft missile forces and radio-technical forces. Additionally, the Air Force comprises separate military units and special forces, including intelligence, engineering, radiation, chemical, and biological protection, communications, automated control systems, radio-technical support, electronic warfare, meteorological support, logistics, and medical units, and others. 

The Air Force is equipped with various types of aircraft and helicopters, including the MiG-29, Su-27, Su-25, and Su-24M, as well as modern unmanned aerial systems like the Bayraktar TB2 and ACS-3. Additionally, the anti-aircraft missile forces use air defense systems such as the S-300, Patriot, NASAMS, and others. The radio-technical forces are equipped with both Soviet-era technology and modern Ukrainian-made systems, including the 36D6M radar system, "Phoenix-1," and others. 

One of the key milestones in the development of the Air Force was the receiving of F-16 aircraft, which significantly enhanced Ukraine's defense capabilities. These multi-role fighters enable precision strikes against enemy ground targets, effective combat against enemy aircraft, and provide air support for other branches of the military. The use of the F-16 in the war against russia has become a symbol of the modernization of Ukraine’s army and its integration with NATO standards. 

Ukrainian military pilots have distinguished themselves not only with their courageous work in air combat. They played a key role in the liberation of Snake Island, the destruction of enemy ammunition depots, and the elimination of enemy air defense systems in temporarily occupied territories. Their participation in the Battle of Kyiv, the defense of Kharkiv, Donbas, and Kherson, as well as in the liberation of temporarily occupied territories, is a shining example of their dedication to their country. 

The achievements of warrior-aviators in this war include the destruction of hundreds of enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones, as well as the elimination of important strategic enemy targets. 

Continuous training according to NATO standards as well as the improvement of tactics and combat techniques allow the Air Force to maintain a high level of combat readiness and effectiveness. 

Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Acting Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General KRYVONOZHKO Anatoliy Mykolayovych 

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