Flying the Friendly Skies: Russia Celebrates Army Aviation Day

The founding day of Russian army aviation is considered to be October 28, 1948, when the first aviation squadron equipped with helicopters was formed in Serpukhov, Moscow Region.

It marked the beginning of army aviation as a separate branch of the air forces, that usually is comprised of helicopters and light support fixed-wing aircraft.

Helicopter aviation was at first called auxiliary as its mission was to transport goods, fire fighting, reconnaissance, and communications. However, as the technology evolved, helicopters have turned into formidable weapon systems in their own right.

1 / 9

MI-8 helicopters over the Trans-Baikal training site "Tsugol", where the main stage of the military maneuvers of the Russian and Chinese armed forces "Vostok-2018" was held.

Go to the mediabank

2 / 9

A Mi-28N "Night Hunter" helicopter performs aerobatic tricks during the event "Contract Service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - Your Choice" in Rostov-on-Don.

Go to the mediabank

3 / 9

Visitors around a Mi-35M transport and combat helicopter, presented at the exposition of the IV International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2018" in Kubinka.

Go to the mediabank

4 / 9

A Mi-8 AMTSh Assault Transport Helicopter "Terminator" at the Harbmaidon training ground in Tajikistan during a joint anti-terrorist exercise of the collective rapid reaction forces (CBRF) of the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Go to the mediabank

5 / 9

A Mi-24 helicopter hovering over the Chebarkul training ground during a joint military anti-terrorist command and staff exercise of the armed forces of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states "Peace Mission – 2018.”

Go to the mediabank

6 / 9

The landing of units from a Mi-26 helicopter at the Tsugol training ground in Zabaykalsky Region during the main stage of the “Vostok-2018” military maneuvers of the armed forces.

Go to the mediabank

7 / 9

A Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator" helicopter at the Alabino training ground during demonstration exercises at the international military-technical forum "Army-2016."

8 / 9

A visitor watches a KA-226T helicopter at the VIII International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia 2015 in Moscow.

Go to the mediabank

9 / 9

A Kamov Ka-50 "Black Shark" combat helicopter performs an exemplary flight over a field near the Progress aircraft factory in the city of Arsenyev.

Go to the mediabank