August 2 Is Airborne Forces Day in Russia

On August 2, the Russian Federation celebrates Airborne Forces Day. This memorable date, established by a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, is timed to coincide with the founding of the first paratrooper units and is an important event in the country’s military history.

August 2, 1930, is generally considered the founding date of the Airborne Forces, when a special unit was parachuted for the first time during exercises of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh. Since then, the Airborne Forces have come a long way, becoming the elite of the Armed Forces, the high-mobility troops capable of rapidly carrying out the most complex missions.

High mobility, exceptional professional training and the ability to deploy immediately make Russia’s Airborne Forces a crucial element of its deterrence capability. The combat readiness of the Airborne Forces makes a significant contribution to strengthening collective security and maintaining stability in the CSTO’s area of responsibility.