On behalf of the Government and me personally, I congratulate servicemen of Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on professional holiday – the Day of Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

The Ukrainian Air Force has a long and noble history, since it takes its roots from the time of  the Ukrainian People's Republic, when in 1917 the first aviation of Ukrainian Army was created. Since revival of Ukrainian state independence, the national Air Force that has been protecting the peace of citizens since 1992 had been revived.

Since the beginning of the Russian armed aggression in Crimea and Donbas, the Air Force has been performing extremely important tasks in armed confrontation with the enemy both in the air and on the ground. Our military aviation is a linchpin of the military infrastructure, moreover  it provides staunchest support to the infantry forces both in military and logistical terms. In synergy with other units of the Armed Forces, the Air Force is a powerful, balanced and efficient force. Due to the experience of hostile activities the Ukraine's Air Force as well as the whole army is a combat-capable unit which can perform onerous tasks and respond to the most burning challenges of the modern world.

The introduction of NATO standards, joint military exercises with the Alliance, modernization of equipment, upgrade of weaponry, and introduction of modern technical and military standards direct the development of the Air Force toward the best world models. We will never rest on the laurels and continue to implement NATO standards in the Ukrainian army in order to ensure that not only defense structures adhere to the principles of the Alliance, but also the whole society. Our strategic goal is to become a member of NATO, which will be the key to our national security and confidence in our own forces against the aggressor.

I congratulate all servicemen and civilian workers of Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on your professional holiday. I praise your devotion to serve the citizens of Ukraine even at the cost of your own life. I wish you sound health, longevity, successful fulfillment of tasks and a peaceful sky above your head!

Glory to Ukraine!

Glory to the Heroes!

Prime Minister of Ukraine                                                           Volodymyr GROYSMAN