Commander of the 39th Aviation Brigade Dies in Combat

On the afternoon of March 9, while carrying out a combat mission in the eastern direction, Hero of Ukraine Colonel Oleksandr Dovhach, commander of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, was killed in action.

The Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the report, stating that Colonel Dovhach completed his mission at the cost of his own life while operating under conditions of significant enemy air superiority and intense Russian air defense countermeasures.

“Oleksandr Dovhach was not just a commander. He was a true leader and combat pilot. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, the brigade under his command inflicted precise and devastating blows on the enemy. He flew hundreds of combat sorties, striking enemy command posts, equipment, and communications. He repeatedly provided cover for strike and bomber aircraft, destroyed enemy drones and missiles, and fought in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zmiinyi Island sectors. He was always first into battle, took on the most dangerous tasks, and inspired his subordinates to act boldly and decisively. We express our deepest condolences to his family and friends.” the Air Force Command wrote.

About Oleksandr Dovhach

From information published in open sources, it is known that Oleksandr Dovhach graduated from the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University. He previously served in the 831st Myrhorod Tactical Aviation Brigade in the Poltava region.

Dovhach participated in repelling Russian aggression since 2014. In November 2025, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that he had flown over 150 combat sorties, striking critical Russian targets, including command posts, equipment, communications infrastructure, and manpower. He repeatedly provided cover for strike and bomber aircraft and destroyed Russian drones and cruise missiles threatening Ukrainian cities.

He took direct part in the liberation of Zmiiniy Island, as well as the de-occupation of the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and right-bank Kherson regions.

In recognition of his service, Dovhach was awarded the Order of Danylo Halytskyi in 2015 and became a full cavalier of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi with awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024.