Air Defense Day (Air Defense Day). Air Defense Forces Day (Air Defense Forces Day)

Air Defense Forces Day is celebrated annually in mid-April. The second Sunday of this month is marked for military personnel air defense spirit of celebration. This day is imbued with solemnity and importance. Every military man and many civilians celebrate this holiday with their family, go to museums, attend concerts and performances on relevant topics. On this day, everything is done for the air defense troops, which emphasizes their importance in our lives, which many people forget.

Anti-aircraft troops are troops that are needed to protect against enemy attack by air. Now they're protecting the political centers important objects, industrial areas. This is closely related to naval, land and border defense. The goals and objectives that the command sets for them are generally very close.

Components of air defense

Air Defense Day is celebrated by a significant group of fighters, communications and radio forces, missile and anti-aircraft units, military training units.

Guys from the air defense forces carry out radar tracking on planes every day, guarding the airspace on the border of our country to eliminate the possibility of a sudden enemy appearing. Very often, anti-aircraft troops are called “guardians of the sky.”

When was Air Defense Day celebrated for the first time?

For the first time, it was decided to introduce an air defense day back in the USSR. The government issued a decree in February that Air Defense Forces Day would be celebrated in mid-spring. Interestingly, the USSR collapsed long ago, but the holiday is still celebrated in mid-April.

On this holiday, it would be optimal to purchase a gift with a corresponding theme. Anti-aircraft paraphernalia, souvenirs or any other military items can be purchased at any military store, both in ordinary stores and on online resources.

History of air defense

The first anti-aircraft troops were formed back in the days Russian Empire. They advantageously showed their necessity in the First World War. Then they served to fight attacking airplanes, but now the range of their work is much wider.

It is interesting that in those days there were almost no anti-aircraft weapons, the exceptions being light cannons and machine guns, which was clearly not enough.

Thanks to the efficiency and effectiveness of the air defense troops in battle and defense of the country, it was possible to resolve many issues. However, in those days these were not yet formed battalions. They were formalized in Soviet Russia.

The anti-aircraft forces had to show the maximum of their strength and effectiveness quite quickly - during the Great Patriotic War. They zealously defended Moscow and ensured its protection from the Luftwaffe, which significantly outnumbered them in armament and numbers. Of course, the troops did not work alone, but with a whole group of other units and branches of the military. However, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to forget about their contribution to the victory.

Many years later, the USSR Presidium decided to encourage military air defense. In 1975, he appointed them an official holiday - the day of the USSR Anti-Aircraft Forces. This date became significant for every military man, because their work was not only noticed, but also celebrated.

Then the holiday was set for April 11. Five years later he became topical issue about what date air defense day is celebrated. This was due to the fact that amendments were made to the decree and ordered to celebrate the celebration on the second Sunday of April. It is on this day that the military is honored even now.

Education Day

Air Defense Day is not only a professional holiday for this type of troops, which is celebrated by the military in the spring, it is also the anniversary of its formation of this kind troops.

Air defense troops first appeared in 1958. Initiator became Chief appointed Hero Soviet Union Kazakova V. I.

In 2007, the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation issued a decree that December 26 should be considered the date of formation of the air defense forces. This date was not chosen by chance. It was on December 13, or according to the new style 26, that the formation began military air defense. The initiator was the Commander-in-Chief. That's when creation began separate battalions light type, which specialized in air defense.

Air defense now

Anti-aircraft forces have gone through many years of history. They, as they say, have been through both fire and water, experienced many changes, ups and downs. Despite everything, Air Defense Day still remains a relevant and popular holiday.

The only thing that has changed is Air Defense Day, when it is celebrated in Russia. Since 2006, a decree has been issued that the holiday is scheduled for the second Sunday in April.

How the holiday is celebrated

The celebration takes place in a cheerful atmosphere, honoring military personnel who give their duty to their homeland. Most often, the Day of the Air Defense Forces is accompanied by the presentation of certificates and diplomas, which are used to celebrate

When air defense day in Russia comes, the population usually walks around the clock. Military units organize parades and ceremonial processions that emphasize the importance of this holiday. Many fighters go to their hometowns to meet with loved ones. However, even in this festive atmosphere - the day of military air defense, soldiers stand guard. Many of them are on watch, protecting the border and airspace.

Many people still ask questions about Air Defense Day and what date the holiday is celebrated. In fact, there is no exact date. It changes from year to year. The second Sunday in April may fall on different dates, but the solemnity of such a holiday will not change.

Holiday for veterans

On this day, veterans of the air defense forces are entitled Special attention. Concerts and performances are organized in their honor, often performed by military ensembles and dance groups. Museums and other cultural institutions host exhibitions where you can clearly see the importance of air defense troops and get acquainted with the heroes of their time.

Honoring the dead is also important on such a day. Each of them did a great job. Some died during the Great Patriotic War, and some died during a mission in our age. On such a day, military and civilians bring flowers to the monuments and graves of the dead, thereby perpetuating the memory of them.

conclusions

Air Defense Day - special holiday. It must be marked by mass and scale. Perhaps many should make sure that young people learn about the heroes of our time and follow in their footsteps.

The government needs to encourage the troops with certificates of commendation, certificates, diplomas and prizes, emphasizing their necessity for the country. In schools and universities, it is worth at least occasionally talking about these troops, showing memorable videos, so that every schoolchild and student knows those who protect our peace.

Air Defense Day, when celebrated, helps to understand the importance of the army and military units in the life of every citizen of the country. Air defense troops serve on the borders and in the airspace, giving their lives, strength and time for the peace of civilians.

Air Defense Day in Russia is one of the most important professional holidays among the military, so many people are interested in what date this holiday will be celebrated in 2018. This day is very important for everyone who serves in the air defense forces, and the entire population, since the main task of air defense is to protect the borders of the state and prevent an attack on the country from the air.

The professional holiday of air defense military personnel has a “floating” date. It is not celebrated on a specific date, but on the second Sunday in April, so the date may vary. Air Defense Day is celebrated annually.

This holiday is celebrated by all military personnel who serve in the air defense forces, including dispatchers, engineers, and gunners. This day is important both for veterans and for people who chose to serve in air defense.

History of the emergence and development of air defense

It is difficult for a modern person to imagine a military conflict without the use of aviation. Airplanes and other equipment of this kind often perform key role in conflict resolution, as it allows for effective reconnaissance, delivery of supplies or troops to an object as quickly as possible short time. In addition, aviation is used for attack, so air defense troops play a key role in defense state borders from enemy attacks.

Story Russian air defense began at the beginning of the twentieth century, when airships and balloons were first used for military purposes. When did the first one begin? World War, there was a need to protect the airspace, so portable cannons and machine guns began to be used for these purposes. In 1914, the first battery of cannons was created, which marked the emergence of air defense forces. She performed several functions:

  1. Conducted airspace monitoring.
  2. Destroyed enemy flying objects.

During World War II, air defense switched to new level. Due to the rapid development military aviation tank and foot troops carried big losses, so the issue of protecting airspace was very acute. In connection with this, they were created special troops, whose main task was to protect the airspace.

Since that period, air defense forces have constantly developed. Primitive weapons that were used to protect airspace have been replaced anti-aircraft devices and modern guns. Now air defense uses high-tech implementations that make it possible to detect the enemy from afar and strike in time, preventing a disaster.

When did they start celebrating Air Defense Day in Russia?

The history of celebrating Air Defense Day began more than 40 years ago. Several important events can be noted in the history of this professional holiday:

  1. February 20, 1975 - the “birth” of Air Defense Day. The Soviet authorities signed a corresponding Decree.
  2. In 1980, the country's leadership decided to change the date of celebration of the day from April 11 (the date initially set) to the second Sunday of April.
  3. In 2006, President Vladimir Putin signed a document according to which Air Defense Day was classified as a professional holiday.

Air Defense Day 2018: traditions of celebration

On Air Defense Day in 2018, which will be celebrated on April 8, military personnel and veterans will traditionally gather together to discuss the past year, talk about plans and remember past events. Celebrations are held not only among colleagues, but also with family and friends.

On this professional holiday, the management holds ceremonies during which fighters are awarded orders and medals for their services, as well as certificates of honor. For fighters who have proven themselves, gratitude is written down in their personal files. The hero of the occasion is also presented with gifts and souvenirs.

Often the best employees are promoted on this day, and they perform a ritual of “washing” the stars: new stars are dipped in alcohol, after which the contents of the glass must be drunk.

Air defense is a number of special troops that protect the state in the airspace. The bravest men who love the sky and heights serve in them. People call them air border guards. Air Defense Day is their professional holiday.

In the Soviet Union, this holiday was celebrated on the second Sunday of April. After the collapse of the USSR, each country with air defense troops set its own date.

Thus, in Ukraine, the first president Leonid Danilovich Kuchma set the date of the holiday for the first Sunday in July. But 10 years later, President Viktor Andreevich Yushchenko moved the date to the first Sunday in August. Thus, on August 5, Ukrainian troops will celebrate day Air defense in 2018 .

In Russia and Belarus they did not change the date of the holiday and celebrate it as in the USSR. Therefore, Russian and Belarusian troops air defense on April 8 will meet their professional.

History of the Air Defense Forces

The need for air defense troops arose during the First World War, when in many countries technological progress advanced to military aircraft and the need to protect the airspace of the state became more urgent than ever.

By using air force in those turbulent times they carried out reconnaissance, landing troops, delivering food products, medical supplies. And with the help of air weapons it was possible to deliver more accurate and destructive strikes.

In 1915, at the height of the First World War, when Germany took a dominant position in the air, the first artillery brigades appeared to fire at air fleet aggressor country. However, in the future it was necessary to create a centralized air defense control. So, in 1927, the headquarters of the Red Army created the sixth department - the air defense department.

The most important and difficult time, a kind of baptism of fire, for the anti-aircraft forces was the Great Patriotic War. Aviation developed so rapidly that it took a lot of courage, endurance and ingenuity to protect the rear from air attacks. It was then that the concept was born - ground troops air defense.

The first failures in the Second World War required adjustments, and the air defense forces were reorganized into a separate structure.

Air defense heroes and heroic deeds

As you know, the year from 1942 to 1943 was the year of a radical turning point in the Great Patriotic War, and this happened largely thanks to the air defense troops. They not only took an important and active part in protecting the country’s special facilities, but also played an invaluable role in the blockade of the enemy.

Officers of the 7th Air Defense Fighter Aviation Corps, together with their commander, Hero of the Soviet Union, Colonel A. A. Antonov, developed new system targeting fighters at enemy aircraft, which allowed for more accurate strikes.

There are countless heroic deeds that the air defense forces can be proud of; we will describe only a few of them as examples.

On the first day of the attack on Leningrad, six fighters under the command of Lieutenant V.N. Kharitonov took off to defend the city. As a result, on the first approach he shot down an enemy bomber and then another. The rest followed his example. Senior Lieutenant V.I. Potapov also managed to shoot down two. And three more fighters flying the remaining fighters also distinguished themselves - senior lieutenant A. T. Karpov, junior lieutenant A. G. Andrianov and sergeant P. A. Vnukov each shot down one German Junkers-87.

Thanks to the air defense troops under the command of Major General of Artillery P.F. Rozhkov, it was possible to lift the blockade of Leningrad and hold positions, blocking raids by enemy forces.

Another story tells about the heroism, courage and ingenuity of air defense soldiers. Captain V.A. Matsievich, who flew out on reconnaissance, noticed a camouflaged enemy column moving towards Sinyavino. Without hesitation, the captain realized that if he knocked out the two front and two rear tanks, he would be able to stop and block the enemy. And despite the complexity of the task he set for himself, he completed it.

All of the above individuals, as well as many other air defense soldiers, were awarded medals, orders and one of the most honorable at that time, the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Always on the lookout

From the war years to the present day, the country's leadership has given this segment of troops special meaning. Its air border guards guard the country's skies every day. Of course, today progress has stepped even further - there is modern aircraft, there is modern technology, radars that monitor so that the enemy does not violate the borders, but most importantly, there are those who can manage it all and devote, and sometimes give, their lives to this.

In the USSR in 1975 Presidium Supreme Council signed a Decree on the annual celebration of Air Defense Day. Thus, the leadership wanted to emphasize the special importance and weight of the air defense troops for the protection of the country and its citizens, both in war and in peacetime.

These troops are in constant combat readiness, because their role is extremely important in the first hours and days of the attack, when the enemy is trying to deliver a crushing air strike in order to immediately seize the leading position in the war.

Holiday traditions

On Air Defense Day there are no such noisy “festivities” as on Airborne Forces Day, but members of the air defense forces also gather at a good table with fellow soldiers, friends and relatives. They remember the events that happened during the years of service, both serious and funny.

On this day, various concerts and other events are organized, at which the country's leadership or the top leadership of the troops reward those who have especially distinguished themselves, and some are promoted in rank. Everyone is given symbolic gifts.

But the best gift for the “knights of the air” is a peaceful sky above their heads.

To protect the state's airspace and other combat missions, the country has a powerful air defense. Military air defense is a special profession that deserves respect and recognition.

Story

The creation of air defense was prompted by the emergence of aviation in other countries, which posed a threat to Russia. In 1914 in St. Petersburg, the Russian instructor F.F. Lander. The first gun designed to shoot down airplanes was created. However, for the First World War, air defense was almost unprepared; everything was developed and done as the battles progressed. From that time on, special forces began to be formed and armed with guns and artillery. Artillery field guns could shoot down airships and airplanes. For a clearer hit, sights are being developed.

This is interesting:

  1. The creation of a special aviation detachment, which included 200 aircraft, is considered to be the origin of air defense forces in Russia. This formation was intended for the defense of Petrograd in 1914-1917.
  2. During the existence of the Soviet Union, air defense forces actively developed and strengthened. By the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, there were 13 districts of air defense forces in the country. Military operations showed that the air defense forces needed fighters, which were in the department of the Air Force. During the war, the military began to receive more and more fighter and interceptor aircraft.
  3. In the post-war period, there was an active development of troops. New technology was developed, training centers for training highly qualified specialists. All this work on this moment has positive results.

Russian technology is a huge competition foreign analogues. Exhibitions of military equipment are held annually so that everyone understands that Russia will be able to defend its open spaces at any moment.

Traditions

On the holiday, senior management gathers military personnel for ceremonial congratulations, presentation of diplomas and awards. The dates of orders for promotions are dated to this day, in work books make notes on the presentation of commendations and medals.

Cadets, officers and veterans gather at the festive tables. Everyone exchanges congratulations, shows their photos and takes pictures together for a long memory.

Original 04/09/2017, 07:00

In 2006, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree “On the establishment of professional holidays and memorable days in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.” According to this Decree, Air Defense Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of April. This year it is April 9th.

This is some modification of the date, which was established as a holiday in 1975. Then, by resolution of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, April 11 was chosen as the holiday date. And just five years later, the very modification in question was introduced - the holiday of the USSR Air Defense Forces began to be celebrated on the second Sunday of the second spring month.

Air defense troops were created to prevent enemy air strikes, and were called upon to protect particularly important facilities, political centers, and industrial areas from air attack. Air defense troops ground forces cover the territory of military installations with military equipment and personnel deployed there.

The country's air defense forces consist of several segments, including anti-aircraft missile units.

The appearance of air defense troops is directly related to the beginning of its use in military affairs. aircraft. As soon as aircraft began to be used for reconnaissance and attack of targets from the air, the need to effectively counter them immediately arose. And the first truly massive one combat use air defense systems took place during the First World War.

The air defense forces developed and improved their “functionality” during the Great Patriotic War. At its beginning, there were 13 air defense districts on the territory of the USSR, but the troops at that time did not have their own aircraft. Soon fighters began to enter air defense service: I-15, I-16, I-153, which made it possible to more effectively protect the cities of the Soviet Union from enemy air attacks. Then the air defense forces received interceptor fighters: MiG-3, Yak-1, Yak-3, Yak-9, as well as foreign-made fighters.

During the war, the flak. By the beginning of 1945, on all fronts there were already 61 anti-aircraft artillery divisions of the RVGK (Reserve Supreme High Command), 192 anti-aircraft artillery regiment small caliber, 97 separate divisions of the RVGK.

The Great Patriotic War became a real test and a true baptism of fire for the Soviet air defense forces. The units showed their high fighting qualities when defending Moscow and Leningrad from enemy air strikes. Dozens of formations and units took part in repelling massive enemy air raids on Soviet cities.

Part of the forces of the air defense forces was involved in solving problems in the interests of the advancing fronts. They, together with the Air Force, carried out an air blockade of enemy groups (Stalingrad, Demyansk, Breslau), participated in breaking through enemy defenses (near Leningrad, on Kola Peninsula, in the Berlin direction).

The results of the actions of air defense troops are difficult to overestimate. Throughout the war Soviet troops air defense were used not only to attack air targets, but also during ground confrontation.

The statistics speak for themselves: during the battles, more than 7.5 thousand enemy aircraft, more than 1 thousand tanks, and 1.5 thousand guns were destroyed.

For military exploits during the war, 80 thousand soldiers from the air defense forces were awarded orders and medals, of which 92 people were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

In Stalingrad (Volgograd), the feat of military personnel representing the air defense forces is immortalized, including in the form of the name of Zenitchikov Street.

The number of air defense troops during the war years increased almost 2 times, which at the same time confirms their effectiveness and says a lot about their contribution to the Great Victory.

The experience of the Great Patriotic War confirmed that air defense has become one of the main components of maintaining combined arms combat. Currently, the country's air defense troops are capable of hitting everything modern means air attack in any weather conditions and time of day.

Thanks to the talent of domestic designers, they acquired such properties as high maneuverability, the ability to intercept and destroy air attack weapons at large distances from defended objects. Today, the defense industrial enterprises of our country are developing and producing effective military equipment, weapons and ammunition for such weapons - anti-missile and air defense systems.

Now these are the S-400 “Triumph”, “Pantsir-S1” anti-aircraft missile systems, which have become widely known in the world, and not only.

Until the end of the current State Rearmament Program - 2020 - he plans to receive the latest anti-aircraft missile systems S-500 "Prometheus". The characteristics of this complex will make it possible to combat hypersonic aerodynamic and ballistic targets, and it is not surprising that interest in them is already high, and not only in Russia itself.

Additional air defenses, according to recent reports official representative Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Major General Konashenkov, will also be supplied for the needs Syrian army, which not only fights the manifestations international terrorism, but also becomes a target for direct military aggression from the United States. We are talking primarily about a missile attack on the Syrian Air Force air base in Homs province. About what kind of air defense and missile defense systems will be supplied to Syria Russian Federation, not reported.

Returning to the date, it is worth noting that despite the holiday of the air defense troops of the ground forces, military personnel are still on combat watch.

"Military Review" congratulates all air defense troops and service veterans on their professional holiday!

Photos used: http://function.mil.ru



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