Russia Celebrates Airborne Forces Day
Every year on August 2, Russia celebrates Airborne Forces (VDV) Day. This professional holiday is dedicated to the servicemen of the "winged infantry," who are known for their courage and high level of training. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Sunday.
The history of this day began in 1930. It was then that a group of paratroopers successfully completed a landing mission for the first time during exercises of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh. This experiment proved the effectiveness of using airborne forces for combat missions, which marked the beginning of the formation of modern airborne units.
Today, the VDV are considered the elite of the Russian army. Paratroopers carry out the most complex tasks, often operating behind enemy lines or in conditions that require an immediate response. The holiday is traditionally accompanied by ceremonial events, the laying of flowers at monuments, and meetings of service veterans.
For many Russians, this day is an occasion to remember the history of the army and pay tribute to those who defend the country's security. Although the holiday is military in nature, it is widely known in society and is an important part of Russian military culture.