Air Defense Forces Day in Armenia

The third Sunday of May is celebrated as Air Defense Forces Day in Armenia. This event is significant for the country, because these troops make a huge contribution to maintaining a peaceful sky and ensuring the security of the entire state as a whole. The air defense troops are part of the Armed Forces, and, accordingly, are subordinate to the Ministry of Defense of Armenia. The process of creating air defense forces has gone through a rather long stage in its formation. Thus, initially the military leadership of the state did not give orders for the creation of special aviation units. This was explained by the fact that Armenia did not have a sufficient number of military airfields, there was a lack of professionally trained personnel, repair and maintenance work was not carried out, and fuels and lubricants were supplied with huge interruptions. But, nevertheless, soon after the collapse of the USSR, the government decided to create highly effective air defense units. In a fairly short period of time (until 1994), Armenia managed to restore radar stations and anti-aircraft and missile installations, and improve the professional training of national personnel. And in May 1994, it was officially announced that the formation of air defense in the Republic was completed and the sky over Yerevan was already clear and reliably protected. Since that time, every third Sunday in May has been celebrated as Air Defense Day. Today, anti-aircraft troops must be on combat duty to defend the country, conduct reconnaissance, notify covered troops, repel enemy attacks and destroy their means of attack - do everything to ensure peace and quiet for all citizens of Armenia. Every year, as part of the Anti-Aircraft Day, many units host ceremonial speeches by the leadership of the Armenian Armed Forces, meetings with veterans, awards for particularly distinguished soldiers and officers, and concerts.