| 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1992 – present |
| Country |  Ukraine |
| Branch |  Ukrainian Air Force |
| Type | Brigade |
| Role | Fighter |
| Garrison/HQ | Vasylkiv, Ukraine |
| Engagements | War in Donbass 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Decorations | .svg.png.webp){kind=small} For Courage and Bravery |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Volodymyr Kravchenko |
| Insignia | |
| Air Force Sleeve patch Left Arm |  |
| Roundel |  |
| Fin flash |  |
| Aviation branch insignia collar | .png.webp) |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | MiG-29, MiG-29UB, MiG-29M1 |
| Trainer | L39M1 |
The 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade (Military Unit Number А1789) is a formation of the Ukrainian Air Force, composed primarily of Mikoyan MiG-29 aircraft, that is based at Vasylkiv.[1]
History
In January 1992 the regiment took the oath of loyalty to the Ukrainian people.
Upon the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade played an important role in the Kyiv offensive. Its fighter aircraft battled the Russian Air Force over Kyiv and attempted to disrupt Russian advances on the ground. The unit took part in the Battle of Antonov Airport and the Battle of Kyiv; one of its pilots, Lt. Col. Vyacheslav Yerko (posthumously Hero of Ukraine, Gold Star Order), reportedly shot down four Russian aircraft on the invasion's first day before being killed.[2]
Aircraft
Pilots who lost their lives
See also
References
- ↑ "Air Force - Ukraine".
- ↑ David Axe (9 December 2022). "Five Brave Ukrainian MiG Pilots Blunted the Russian Attack on Kyiv on Day One of the War. Not All of Them Survived". Forbes. Retrieved 14 May 2023.