40th Tactical Aviation Brigade (Ukraine)

The 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade (Military Unit Number А1789) is a formation of the Ukrainian Air Force, composed primarily of Mikoyan MiG-29 aircraft, that is based at Vasylkiv.

History
In January 1992 the regiment took the oath of loyalty to the Ukrainian people.

Upon the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade played an important role in the Kyiv offensive. Its fighter aircraft battled the Russian Air Force over Kyiv and attempted to disrupt Russian advances on the ground. The unit took part in the Battle of Antonov Airport and the Battle of Kyiv; one of its pilots, Lt. Col. Vyacheslav Yerko (posthumously Hero of Ukraine, Gold Star Order), reportedly shot down four Russian aircraft on the invasion's first day before being killed.

Aircraft

 * MiG-29, MiG-29UB, MiG-29M1
 * L39M1

Pilots who lost their lives

 * Andrii Pilshchykov (Juice)
 * Valentyn Korenchuk
 * Vladyslav Savieliev
 * Mykhailo Matiushenko
 * Stepan Tarabalka