According to Ukrinform, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported this on Facebook, citing Acting Minister of Defense Yevhen Khmara, who congratulated the servicemen of the Ukrainian Air Force on their professional holiday.

“From the very first days of the full-scale war, Russia wanted to freely use Ukrainian airspace to launch strikes against our people. That didn’t happen, because our air force and air defense systems didn’t let the enemy do that. The Air Force closed off the skies,” Khmara noted.

Since February 24, 2022, Ukrainian air defense systems have destroyed more than 445,000 aerial targets. Among them were “Kinzhal” missiles, “Kalibr” missiles, Kh-101 missiles, “Iskander-M” ballistic missiles, tens of thousands of “Shahed” drones, reconnaissance UAVs, “Lancet” drones, and other enemy drones, the acting Minister of Defense reported.

Over the course of four years of full-scale war, the Air Force has conducted more than 38,000 sorties and destroyed more than 12,000 enemy air attack assets—aircraft, helicopters, missiles, and drones, Khmara noted.

The acting Minister of Defense emphasized: “These aren’t just numbers. These are cities that have been protected. Lives that have been saved. Threats that have been eliminated.”

“And this is the strength of the people who defend Ukraine’s skies: pilots, engineers, technicians, and signal corps personnel. All our crews and teams. Every day, you repel attacks and master the most advanced equipment—from Raven to Patriot, from MiG-29 to F-16,” Khmara noted.

“Defending our skies, unfortunately, comes at a cost. We remember each and every one who gave their life for Ukraine’s skies,” added the acting Minister of Defense.

“We are working to ensure you have more modern weapons. More technology. More opportunities to shoot down targets, save lives, and strike the enemy,” Khmara added.

The acting Minister of Defense thanked the servicemen and women for their service and outstanding results and expressed his hope: “May the number of landings always equal the number of takeoffs.”

As reported, Ukraine is celebrating Ukrainian Armed Forces Air Force Day today, which, according to a presidential decree dated June 27, 2007, falls on the first Sunday in August.

*Photo: 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade *