Ukrainian Air Force

Ukrainian Air Force Повітряні Сили України Povitriani Syly Ukrayiny
Ukrainian Air Force emblem
Country	Ukraine
Type	Air force
Size	36,300 personnel 144 aircraft
Headquarters	Vinnytsia
Battle honours	Ukrainian–Soviet War Polish–Ukrainian War War in Donbass
Commanders
Commander	Serhiy Drozdov
Insignia
Ensign
Roundel
Fin flash
Aircraft flown
Attack	Su-25, Mi-24
Bomber	Su-24M
Fighter	Su-27, MiG-29
Reconnaissance	An-30, Su-24MR
Trainer	L-39, Yak-52
Transport	An-70, Il-76, An-24, An-26, An-30, Mi-8

The Ukrainian Air Force (Ukrainian: Повітряні Сили України, Povitryani Syly Ukrayiny) is a part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.Ukrainian Air Force headquarters is located in the city of Vinnytsia. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, a large number of aircraft were left on Ukrainian territory. Ever since, the Ukrainian air force has been downsizing and upgrading its forces. In spite of these efforts, the main inventory of the air force consists of Soviet-made aircraft. Currently 36,300 personnel and 144 aircraft are in service in the Ukrainian air force and air defense forces but approximately only eighty aircraft are airworthy. All ICBMs and strategic bombers have been taken out of service (some however were given to Russia).

Since 1991's Ukrainian independence the air force has suffered from chronic underinvestment, leading to the bulk of its inventory becoming mothballed or otherwise becoming inoperable. Despite this Ukraine still possesses the world's 27th largest air force and the 7th largest air force in Europe, largely due to the ability of its domestic defense industry Ukroboronprom and its Antonov subsidiary to upkeep its older aircraft.

The air force currently takes part in the War in Donbass. Following the 5 September 2014 ceasefire Ukraine Air Force has been forbidden from carrying out missions in the contested areas of Donbass.

The tasks of the Air Force of Ukraine are: winning operational air superiority, delivering air strikes against enemy units and facilities, covering troops against enemy air strikes, providing air support to the Land Force and the Navy, disrupting enemy military and state management, damaging and destroying enemy communication, and providing support by air in the form of reconnaissance, air drops, troops and cargo transportation.