Ukrainian Elite Troops Have a New Brigade

The elite Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have officially established a new brigade-sized unit. The 78th Air Assault Brigade has been formed from the existing 78th Air Assault Regiment, commonly known as the Hertz Regiment. The announcement was made via the unit’s official social media channels.

Rumors of the expansion had circulated for several months, as the 78th Regiment was previously the only regiment-sized formation within the Air Assault Forces. With this restructuring, the Air Assault Forces now boast five air assault brigades and a total of twelve frontline brigades.

About Hertz unit

The unit was established shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It was initially formed as a Special Purpose Company within the National Guard of Ukraine before being reassigned to the Main Intelligence Directorate, where it operated as a consolidated detachment.

In April 2023, the unit was transferred to the Air Assault Forces and expanded to regimental strength, officially becoming the 78th Air Assault Regiment.

In early 2024, the unit joined the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Air Assault Forces.