Collection 12 BRIGADE

The pilots of the 12th Separate Air Force Brigade were the first to fly out for elimination of the consequences of Chornobyl disaster.

Since 1995, they have been involved in UN peacekeeping operations all over the world: the former Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In addition to military missions, they help fight natural disasters. From 2000 to 2004, separate Mi-8 helicopter crews had been involved in firefighting in Turkey and Portugal. Within that period, more than 500 soldiers received military decorations for courage and heroism.

Since 2014 the Brigade has been involved in the war in Eastern Ukraine.

They took part in the battle for Donetsk airport and in the battles near Heorhiivka. Unfortunately, the flags at half-mast indicate that there are casualties in this operation. The crew of Major Oleg Biryuk was shot down and killed.

In 2016, the 7th Separate Army Aviation Regiment was reorganized into the 12th Separate Air Force Brigade.