| Airborne Forces Day | |
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A demonstration at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy
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| Also called | Paratroopers' Day |
| Observed by |  Belarus Kazakhstan  Russia  Soviet Union (historically)  Ukraine (1999–2017) |
| Type | State |
| Significance | Professional working day |
| Celebrations | Military ceremonies and events |
| Date | 2 August |
| Next time | 2 August 2024 (2024-08-02) |
| Frequency | annual |
Airborne Forces Day (Russian: День Воздушно-десантных войск) also known as Paratroopers' Day (Russian: День десантника) is a professional military holiday observed in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, celebrated on 2 August annually.[1] It was formerly celebrated in the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991. It was celebrated in UkraineasAirmobile Forces Day from 1999 until 2017 (Ukrainian: День високомобільних десантних військ, romanized: Den vysokomobilnykh desantnykh viisk). It is the official holiday of the former Soviet Airborne forces.
The birthday of the Airborne Forces is considered to be 2 August 1930. On this day at military exercises of the Moscow Military District, a 12 member paratrooper unit was parachuted for performing a tactical task.[2] Airborne Forces Day is currently celebrated on 2 August, on the basis of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 31, 2006 “On the Establishment of Professional Holidays and Memorable Days in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation".[3]
InUkraine, from 1999 to 2017 Airmobile Forces Day day was celebrated on 2 August.[4] From 2017 Ukraine’s Airmobile Forces were renamed Air Assault Forces, their traditions revised, and a new Air Assault Forces Day [uk] declared 21 November, which is the day of the patron of the paratroopers, Archangel Michael.[5][4] According to President Petro Poroshenko this move was "Ukrainianization of the historical and political calendar - to replace the Soviet-Russian imposed on us."[5]
Airborne Forces Day, which is a professional holiday for active and reserve airborne troops, is traditionally celebrated throughout Russia, Belarus and other countries.[6][7][8] During the holiday, many cities traditionally held demonstrations of paratroopers, concerts, charity events, festivals, crafts fairs and souvenirs exhibition and sale. In some Russian cities, it is customary to turn off the fountains on the day of the Airborne Forces and to release all employees responsible for their work on a day off. This is done in order to reduce the damage from the celebration.[9]
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