The Ukrainian Air Force was established on 1992-03-17, in accordance with the Directive of General Staff Chief, Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The HQ of Soviet 24th Air Force Army in Vinnytsia served as the basis to create the Air Force Command. At this time, Ukraine maintained 4 Air Force Armies. They included 10 Air Force Divisions, Separate Regiments and Squadrons, training and special institutions: a total of near 600 military units, 2800 aircraft and more than 120 000 servicepersons.

Air Force Command has its headquarters in the city of Vinnytsia and, as befits the second largest country in Europe, boasts a formidable array of modern combat and transport aircraft. The Ukrainian Air Force is considered to be the country's foremost guarantor of its independence and territorial integrity.

Ukrainian Falcons

The Ukrainian Falcons (Ukrayins'ki Sokoly) represent the elite of the Ukrainian Air Force's fighter pilots. This aerobatics team consists of 6 MiG-29s (5 MiG-29 9-13s and 1 MiG-29UB) and is commanded by Colonel V. Rososhansky (Test Pilot First Class). Also currently members of the team are Colonels Korolyov and Dudkin, Lieutenant Colonels Kovolyov and Vecherinsky, Majors Sotnikov, Ovchinnikov and Mekhed. The Falcons are based in Kirovskyi. Ukrainian Falcons member Lt. Col. Volodymyr Toponar has been a main pilot of the Sukhoi Su-27 that crashed during Sknyliv (Ukraine) airshow disaster (survived with injuries). His responsibility on the accident has not yet been legally established, the court investigation is underway.

In 2005, the UAF is planning restructure, to improve efficiency. Moreover, Ukraine is planning to put more advanced jet aircraft into service in the upcoming years.

See also

• Military of Ukraine
• Antonov

External links

• Ukrainian Air Force (http://www.vps.vinnitsa.com/) - Official site, mostly under construction.
• Photo gallery (http://www.paulnann.com/country/Ukraine/MiG29.htm) - Ukrainian Falcons in flight.
• Pennants and patches (http://www.lindenhillimports.com/ukraine.htm) - available from Linden Hill imports.

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