Air Assault Forces Day of the Ukrainian Armed Forces: History of the Holiday

8 November marks the Day of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. During the war waged by Russia, the Ukrainian airborne assault forces defend our country from the enemy, risking their own lives. Previously, the Day of the Airborne Assault Forces was celebrated in 21 November, but now the date has been coordinated with the Feast of Archangel Michael—the patron saint of soldiers and the protector of Ukraine.

History of the holiday

In 1999, by order of President Leonid Kuchma, for the merits of the airmobile forces in strengthening the state's defense capacity, the Day of the Airmobile Forces was established. The holiday was celebrated annually in 2 August.

In 2012 year, while developing a new concept of reforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine, by presidential decree, the change of the Day of the Airmobile Forces was made to the Day of High-Mobility Desant Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Later, in October 2017 year, the Airborne Forces command approved a rebranding and a new date for the professional holiday. The name was changed to the Airborne Assault Forces. The date of celebrating the professional holiday was moved to 21 November.

In the same year, in 21 November, in Kyiv at Mikhailivska Square, a solemn ceremony was held, during which President Petro Poroshenko and the military command presented the new symbols. It was then that the color of the paratroopers’ berets changed from light blue to dark maroon, and the emblem on them also changed.

As a reminder, last year the Ukrainian Airborne Assault Forces were augmented by a new unit—the 147-th Separate Artillery Brigade, which became part of the Seventh Mechanized Corps of Rapid Reaction.