Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (DShV) are a separate branch of service designed for rapid response to military threats, air assault and airborne operations, offensive and defensive operations, and missions on the most difficult sections of the front line.

The Air Assault Forces are highly mobile and maneuverable, able to operate autonomously and adapt quickly to changes on the battlefield. Their soldiers carry out combat missions together with other components of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, using modern reconnaissance, strike and command-and-control assets.

Missions of the Air Assault Forces

The main missions of the Air Assault Forces are rapid response to military threats, air assault and airborne operations, breaching enemy defenses, seizing and holding key lines and facilities, conducting raids, and reinforcing troop groupings in designated directions.

The Air Assault Forces also conduct reconnaissance, deliver fire strikes on the enemy, counter its offensive actions and support other units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Key parts of their work include personnel training, the development of unmanned systems, the adoption of new technologies and the improvement of combat tactics.

Structure of the Air Assault Forces

The Air Assault Forces include air assault corps, air assault, airmobile, airborne and artillery brigades, as well as a reconnaissance battalion, combat and logistics support units, a training center and other military units.

The Air Assault Forces also include units under direct command: the 95th Separate Air Assault Poliska Brigade, the 199th Training Center, the 170th Separate Repair and Recovery Regiment, the 421st Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion, the 135th Separate Command Battalion, the 33rd Separate Engineer Regiment and other support units.

The composition and chain of command of military units may change in line with organizational decisions and combat needs.

Commander of the Air Assault Forces

The Commander of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is Major General Oleh Apostol, Hero of Ukraine. He was appointed by Presidential Decree No. 385/2025 of June 3, 2025.

History of the Air Assault Forces

Історія українських десантних військ бере початок у 1992 році, коли військові формування, розташовані на території України, перейшли під юрисдикцію незалежної української держави. У наступні роки десантні частини розвивалися, набували бойового досвіду та проходили організаційні зміни.

The history of Ukraine’s airborne forces dates back to 1992, when military formations stationed on Ukrainian territory came under the jurisdiction of the independent Ukrainian state. In the years that followed, airborne units developed, gained combat experience and went through organizational changes.

In 2014, airborne troops were among the first to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression. In 2017, the symbols and traditions of the airborne forces were updated, and in 2018 they were officially renamed the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

After Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Air Assault Forces units took part in the defense of Ukrainian cities, repelled enemy offensives and fought in counteroffensive operations. The forces kept growing: new brigades and units were formed, command and control was improved, and the forces moved to a corps-based structure.

The 7th Air Assault Corps was created in 2023, and the 8th Air Assault Corps in 2025. Forming the corps was a key step in developing command and control of combat formations and organizing their employment.

Air Assault Forces Day is celebrated every year on November 8.

Weapons and Capabilities of the Air Assault Forces

The Air Assault Forces operate armored vehicles, artillery systems, air defense assets, unmanned systems, and communications, reconnaissance and electronic warfare equipment. Their arsenal includes both Ukrainian-made and foreign-made equipment.

Air Assault Forces artillery units are building up their ability to strike targets at various ranges and use modern tube and rocket artillery, including M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems.

Unmanned systems, robotic platforms, digital command-and-control tools and combat automation play a major role in the development of the Air Assault Forces. They improve reconnaissance, fire adjustment, target engagement and battlefield support for units.

The Air Assault Forces continuously refine their tactics, weapons employment and training based on combat experience and the technological changes of modern warfare.

Training in the Air Assault Forces

Air Assault Forces personnel train at the 199th Training Center, in training units and directly in their military units. Instructors pass on the knowledge and practical skills soldiers need to carry out combat missions.

Training is constantly updated to reflect combat experience, new weapons, unmanned systems and changes in enemy tactics. Special attention is paid to individual training, unit cohesion, coordination and the ability to operate in difficult conditions.

Symbols of the Air Assault Forces

The main color of the Air Assault Forces is maroon. Their motto is “Always First!”

The emblem of the Air Assault Forces is a silver parachute with spread golden wings and the golden sword of Archangel Michael. Archangel Michael is the patron saint of Ukrainian paratroopers, and his image holds an important place in the symbols and traditions of the Air Assault Forces.
 

The Air Assault Forces post updates on the combat work of their brigades and corps on their official social media channels. Anyone who wants to serve in the Air Assault Forces should start with the Air Assault Forces recruitment website (in Ukrainian), where you can apply and choose a brigade right away.