Rustem Umerov: We are establishing a dedicated vertical chain of command for the development of military aviation

Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov, announced the establishment of a dedicated vertical chain of command within the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, focusing exclusively on the development of military aviation.

This decision aligns with the directive from the President of Ukraine to enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.

“The objective is to increase the effectiveness of existing platforms and master new technologies that will give Ukraine an advantage in the sky,” said the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

Rustem Umerov also highlighted that Ukraine already operates F-16 fighters, which have proven their effectiveness, as well as French Mirage aircraft.

“This is just the beginning, and we will continue to advance in this direction,” the Minister emphasized. 

“This is just the beginning, and we will continue to advance in this direction,” the Minister emphasized.

• Major General Oleksii Marchenko has been appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Brigadier General Serhii Holubtsov has been appointed Deputy Commander of the Air Force of Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Colonel Oleksandr Diakiv has been appointed Commander of Aviation and Deputy Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Additionally, a nomination has been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to appoint Oleksandr Kozenko as Deputy Minister of Defence for Aviation. Oleksandr Kozenko, who has long served as an advisor to the Minister of Defence and was responsible for adapting F-16 and Mirage aircraft for use in Ukraine, will, in his new position, oversee the development of the entire military aviation system, building on existing progress.

“Air superiority means protecting our people and enhancing our offensive capabilities. Ukrainian warriors must receive powerful support from the sky. We will do everything necessary to achieve this,” Rustem Umerov summarized. 

Reference information:

• Major General Oleksii Marchenko has over 30 years of service in aviation. He began his career as a flight instructor, served in reconnaissance and fighter aviation regiments, and commanded both a squadron and a tactical aviation brigade. He led the Air Command “West”, headed the Specialized Center for Aviation Combat Training, and worked in the structures of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Air Traffic Service Enterprise of Ukraine. He has been actively involved in enhancing aviation combat capabilities during the full-scale war.
• Brigadier General Serhii Holubtsov is one of the most experienced officers in the Air Force. With a background in fighter aviation, he has commanded a squadron and a brigade, served as Deputy Commander of the Air Commands “Center” and “West”, and held senior roles in the Air Force Command. He was also responsible for personnel training and the development of aviation capabilities.
• Colonel Oleksandr Diakiv has nearly 30 years of military experience. He progressed from pilot to commander of a tactical aviation brigade. He led the Faculty of Retraining and Advanced Training of Aviation Personnel. He currently serves as Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of Aviation at the Air Force Command of the AFU.