August 12 is the Day of the Russian Air Force: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on August 12, Russia celebrates Air Force Day, a holiday of pilots, engineers, air defense fighters and other military aviation specialists. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the history of the Air Force Day and shares sincere congratulations for the perpetrators of the celebration.

Russian Air Force Day on August 12 — the history of the holiday

The modern Day of the Air Force appeared in 2006 by decree of the President of the Russian Federation. The holiday is timed to coincide with an important event in the history of the Air Force: on August 12, 1912, the aeronautical part of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Empire was founded. This event became a starting point in the history of Russian military aviation.

Aviation quickly proved its effectiveness. Already during the First World War, aircraft were used in all key operations. By the 1930s, the Air Force had become an important part of the Soviet Armed Forces. At the same time, a professional holiday dedicated to military and civilian pilots appeared — Air Fleet Day. It was first celebrated on August 18, 1933 at the Frunze Central Airfield in Moscow.

In 1935, the most striking tradition of the Day of the Air Fleet was born — aviation parades. They were held every year in Tushino, as well as in Zhukovsky, Monino and other areas related to aviation. And in 1972, the date of the celebration was postponed from August 18 to the third Sunday in August.

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Over time, the composition and technical equipment of the Air Force expanded, new units appeared: long-range aviation, helicopters, aviation as part of the nuclear forces, etc. By the early 1990s, the USSR Air Force consisted of 20 formations, 38 divisions and more than 200 aviation regiments. And in 1997, by decree of the first President of the Russian Federation, Boris Yeltsin, the Day of the Russian Air Force was established. Initially, it was celebrated together with the Day of the Air Fleet — on the third Sunday of August. However, in 2006, the celebrations were divided.

In 2015, the Air Force and the Aerospace Defense Forces (VKS) joined forces, so on August 12, VKS Day is also celebrated.

Today, the Air Force performs the most important tasks to ensure the security of the country. They are responsible for:

• reflection of possible aggression in the air;
• protection from air strikes of Russian settlements, administrative and political centers and other strategic facilities;
• defeat of enemy targets, including with the use of nuclear weapons;
• aviation support for other types and branches of the Russian army;
• protection of the Russian state border from the air;
• transportation of troops, weapons and equipment.

Traditions of the Russian Air Force Day in 2025

Most of the celebrants spend Air Force Day at airfields. Solemn formations, training flights, and meetings with veterans are held in honor of the holiday. Those who have distinguished themselves in the service are awarded honorary awards and awarded extraordinary titles.

In cities with large military airfields, concerts, exhibitions and other events dedicated to the achievements of the Air Force are often held. Some airfields invite citizens on excursions and organize air shows. If the celebration falls on a weekday, the entertainment program is postponed to the next weekend.

Beautiful postcards and greetings in prose on the Day of the Russian Air Force

On Air Force Day, congratulations are received by all military personnel and civilian specialists who have connected their lives with aviation: pilots, navigators, engineers, weapons specialists, air defense fighters, radio operators, and support workers. All of them stand guard over the safety of the Russian sky. Here are some examples of wishes in prose:

"Congratulations on the Day of the Air Force! May the sky always be clear and the runway free. I wish you easy takeoffs, soft landings, successful departures, great victories and fulfillment of your most cherished desires!"

"Happy Russian Air Force Day! I wish you to always stay on top: fly above the clouds, demonstrate outstanding results in training and hit the most difficult targets. May every mission be successful, the sky clear, and the wind fair!"

"Dear military personnel, congratulations on the Day of the Russian Air Force! You stand guard over the peaceful sky, keep the peace of the sleeping and protect the awake from harm. May the service be easy, and heaven always remains kind to you. We wish you good health, reliable companions and family well-being!"

"Congratulations on Air Force Day to the brave conquerors of the sky and defenders of our country! You are our pride and an example for future generations. May courage and nobility lead you to your dream, and heaven always remains your faithful ally. We wish you good luck, prosperity, great love and boundless happiness!"

"Today we honor those who stand guard over our Homeland and honorably fulfill their duty. Your service is an example of true courage, dedication and fortitude. Let every morning begin with confidence in victory, and let your heart be filled with pride for the chosen path. Thank you for the peaceful sky and the tranquility of our homes! Happy Russian Air Force Day!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the Russian Railway Troops Day.