The Air Assault Forces are a separate branch of the troops of the AFU, created for actions as an airborne assault and for the execution of tasks in the tactical and operational rear of the enemy. The article will be useful to servicemen and candidates for service, their families, and all who are looking for an overview of the role of the AAF in modern warfare.

Here you will learn who the AAF are, their symbolism and slogan, as well as why this branch of the troops is considered the elite of defense and offensive operations. 

Who the Air Assault Forces Are

The Air Assault Forces (AAF) are the most mobile branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, capable of quickly deploying in defined areas and acting autonomously. The composition includes air assault, airmobile, airborne, ranger, and artillery brigades. 

Historically, the troops evolved from the Airmobile Forces to the High-Mobility Airborne Forces, and from 2016–2017 they were separated out as an independent branch with symbolism, a slogan, and a staff.

Symbolism and Slogan of the Air Assault Forces

Symbolism forms the identity and discipline of units, reinforces morale and cohesion in battle. It reflects the mobility, strength, and historical continuity of the AAF.

The main elements of the symbolism:

  • a maroon (burgundy) colored beret and a beret badge;
  • the emblem: a winged parachute system with a sword (a symbol of strength, speed, and decisiveness);
  • the slogan: «Always first!» — reflects the readiness to enter battle first and carry out the most difficult tasks.

After mastering the symbolism, it is easier to understand why precisely the AAF embody elitism: it is about the honor of service, responsibility for the result, and the readiness to be first in battle.

The Tasks and Role of the Air Assault Forces on the Battlefield

The AAF are needed where it is necessary to quickly seize the initiative and disrupt the plans of the enemy. They act quickly, precisely, and can work independently, without long reinforcement.

It is important to understand that each operation is a balance of speed, risk, and the support of artillery and other units. Coordinated actions with infantry, tanks, artillery, and drones give the greatest effect. What exactly the AAF do:

  • strike at the enemy’s management and rear in order to disrupt supply and coordination;
  • do not allow the enemy to pull up reserves in time;
  • stop enemy landings and groups that have broken through;
  • quickly occupy important positions (bridges, heights, crossroads) and hold them so that our troops can deploy.

In the modern structure of operations, the AAF often work together with mobile concepts of defense. Read in more detail about the integration of airborne operations with mobile air defense groups and FPV teams in our separate article: New formats of units

Preparation for Service in the Air Assault Forces

Preparation in the AAF is an intensive that forms physical endurance, psychological resilience, and tactical flexibility. The training is based on realistic scenarios: the quick execution of tasks, limited logistics, work in small groups, and the interaction of various branches of the troops.

Before the list of the main training blocks, it is important to note: the program differs depending on the specialty (rifleman, assault trooper, sapper, medic, UAV operator, and so on), but all cadets go through the «backbone» of the airborne school. Typical blocks of preparation:

  • combined-arms tactics, urban assault, and the clearing of fortifications;
  • parachute-airmobile preparation and marches with load;
  • fire (including night), engineering, and sapper preparation;
  • TCCC (tactical medicine), evacuation under fire;
  • UAV operator preparation, counter-drone actions, and EW practices.

Special attention is paid to work with unmanned systems: modern airborne operations often require close coordination with UAV battalions for reconnaissance, the correction of fire, and strike tasks. Read in more detail about the functioning of such units in our separate article: The unmanned systems battalion

After the completion of training, a serviceman is capable of acting autonomously, making decisions under pressure, and maintaining a high tempo of operations. It is precisely this that makes a paratrooper a universal fighter of modern warfare.

Conclusion

The Air Assault Forces of Ukraine are the mobile elite of the AFU, which is the first to enter battle, acts in the enemy’s rear, and ensures an advantage on key sectors of the front. Their strength is in speed, preparation, and the ability to carry out the most difficult tasks autonomously and under pressure. 

The AAF are a manifestation of decisiveness, endurance, and professionalism that forms the respect and trust of society. An understanding of their role makes it possible to assess what weight each fighter has who chooses to be «always first».