November 8 – The Day of Air Assault Forces

Today, Ukraine marks the Day of the Air Assault Forces — the elite branch of the country’s Defense Forces. On the occasion of the professional holiday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards and battle flags to several units.

The 421st Battalion of Unmanned Systems received its official battle flag, while the 78th Air Assault Regiment was honored with the distinction “For Courage and Bravery.”

Colonel Yevhen Lasiychuk, commander of the 7th Rapid Response Corps, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general under Presidential Decree No. 833/2025.

This year marks the first time the Air Assault Forces celebrate their professional day on November 8. From 1999 to 2017, the Day of the Highly Mobile Airborne Troops was observed annually on August 2. Following the 2017 reform, which transformed the Highly Mobile Airborne Troops into the Air Assault Forces, the holiday was celebrated on November 21 — the Day of Archangel Michael. On November 6, 2025, President Zelenskyy announced that the date would shift to November 8 in accordance with the New Julian calendar.

We congratulate all paratroopers on their professional holiday. Glory to DSHV!