One of the most important attributes of statehood and a guarantor of Ukraine's security and freedom is its Armed Forces. On December 6, Ukrainians celebrate one of their most important national holidays—Armed Forces Day. Every day, thousands of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers defend the country on the front lines, guarding its borders on land, at sea, and in the air. On the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we will tell you about the branches of the Ukrainian army.
The Airborne Assault Forces (AAF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are a separate branch of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, characterized by high maneuverability and autonomy of action, designed for rapid deployment to cover (defend) specific directions (areas), conduct offensive (assault) operations, as well as engage the enemy from the air and conduct combat operations in its rear.
The distinctive features of the units and subunits of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which distinguish them from the Ground Forces, are, first of all, high mobility, the ability to quickly reach designated areas and lines, and the ability to independently perform tasks in difficult conditions.
This type of troops is designed for rapid deployment to cover (defend) specific areas, conduct offensive operations, as well as attack the enemy from the air and conduct combat operations in their rear. Airborne assault troops have participated in peacekeeping missions abroad: in the former Yugoslavia (1992–1995), Iraq (2004–2005), and Sierra Leone (2001–2005).
Paratroopers proved their strength and resilience in the first battles against the Russian enemy in 2014. The liberation of cities in northern Donetsk Oblast, the battles for Avdiivka, Mariupol, Pisky, Donetsk and Luhansk airports demonstrated the high military training of Ukrainian paratroopers and their incredible will to win.
After the start of the full-scale invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine, paratroopers took part in battles in the hottest spots on the front line. In addition, the breakthrough of the Russian border by airborne assault brigades and offensive actions in Kursk (Russian Federation) demonstrated the implementation of clear and lightning-fast new methods and techniques for conducting offensive operations.