Shamanov: "I Am Proud to Have Served in the Airborne Forces for More Than 40 Years"

Airborne Forces Day, or Paratrooper’s Day, is celebrated in the CSTO Member States in early August. 

On August 2, 1930, for the first time in the history of the USSR, a combat group of 12 soldiers parachuted during the Moscow Military District exercise near Voronezh. On the  same day, a memorable date was established in honour of airborne forces.

In 1941, the Airborne Forces became an independent branch of troops. During the Great Patriotic War, they conducted a number of successful operations, and 296 paratroopers received the title of Heroes of the Soviet Union.

“Paratroopers honorably carry out missions in the special operation zone, show courage and bravery, fortitude and unbending character,” Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, said, congratulating the paratroopers on their day.

Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly and Chairman of the Russian State Duma, posted congratulations on Airborne Forces Day.

“Paratroopers defend national interests, ensure the security of our citizens, selflessly serve their Fatherland. During the special military operation, they honorably perform their duty, showing courage and heroism in carrying out the most difficult combat missions,” Volodin noted.

Colonel General of the Russian Army Vladimir Shamanov, Commander of the Airborne Forces in 2009–2016, Chairman of the Coordination Meeting of the Chairmen of the Defence and Security Committees of the Parliaments of the CSTO Member States under the CSTO PA Council in 2017–2021 and a Russian State Duma deputy, congratulated all those involved on the festive date.

“August 2 became a national holiday back in Soviet times. The Airborne Forces Day was established in 1930. And today our glorious paratroopers show examples of courage, heroism and successfully accomplish state missions. Russia alone has more than 36 thousand decorated paratroopers. 43 paratroopers are Heroes of the Russian Federation. Unfortunately, 28 of them were decorated posthumously... The price of heroism today is as high as ever.... I am very proud to have served in these troops for more than 40 years and commanded them for almost 8 years. And now I help my brothers in every possible way. From the bottom of my heart I congratulate all those involved on this holiday!", said Vladimir Shamanov.

On this day paratroopers remember their fallen comrades and pay tribute to them. Every year on August 2, comrades-in-arms gather at paratrooper memorials and lay flowers.

Different cities of the CSTO countries hold concerts featuring military bands, and guests are treated to field kitchens.

In January 2022, the Collective Security Treaty Organization sent a peacekeeping contingent to Kazakhstan. Russian contingent included units of Airborne Forces.