Air Force Day in Russia and Belarus Date in the current year: August 18, 2024

Air Force Day in the Soviet Union was established in 1933 as the professional holiday of military and civil aviators and aviation engineers. It was originally celebrated on August 18. During the 1950s and 1960s, the holiday was marked with flyovers and parades. In 1980, Air Force Day was moved to the third Sunday in August.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, many former Soviet republics moved Air Force Day to other dates in order to commemorate the establishment of their national air force. However, Russia and Belarus continued to celebrate the holiday in late August.

The Russian Air Force in its modern form was officially formed in May 1992, while the Belarusian Air Force was created a month later. In 2001, the Air Force and Air Defense troops of the Republic of Belarus merged into a single air force.

Air Force Day in both countries is celebrated with flyovers, air shows, concerts, performances, awards ceremonies, official speeches and other events and activities.