July 17 is the Day of the founding of naval aviation of the Russian Navy: history, interesting facts

Every year in the middle of summer, the pilots of the naval aviation of the Russian Navy celebrate their professional holiday. This is a relatively young holiday. Although the history of army aviation dates back more than 100 years. Izvestia tells how the Naval Aviation Foundation Day is celebrated in 2025 and who to congratulate on this date.

When is Naval Aviation Day in 2025

The holiday was established in 1996 in accordance with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy "On the introduction of annual holidays and professional days in the specialty" to maintain the morale of military personnel and strengthen the traditions of the Russian Navy.

This document introduced holiday dates for many other military units of the Navy — the Day of the Black Sea Fleet, the Day of the Pacific Fleet, the Day of the signalman and specialist of the radio engineering service of the Russian Navy, which coincides with Radio Day.

The date of the celebration is fixed. Every year, Naval aviation's Founding Day is celebrated on July 17th. This year it falls on a Thursday.

Who is being congratulated on July 17th?

Traditionally, on the Day of the Founding of Naval aviation, the Navy congratulates pilots, navigators, flight mechanics, technical and maintenance personnel — all those who have served and continue to serve in the Russian naval aviation. The celebration is also celebrated by military engineers, creators of flight equipment, teachers and students of specialized educational institutions.

The history of Naval Aviation Day

The first victory of Russian naval pilots in aerial combat is considered to be the birthday of naval aviation. This event took place during the First World War on July 17 (July 4, Old style), 1916.

Then four M-9 seaplanes took off from the aircraft carrier Orlitsa of the Baltic Fleet and engaged in battle with four German aircraft to protect the naval base on the island of Saaremaa, the fourth largest in the Baltic Sea.

During the battle, which ended in a complete victory for the Russian pilots, two enemy airplanes were shot down, and two fled. A festive date was set in memory of this victory.

How to celebrate the Day of Naval Aviation in Russia

Every year on this day, solemn events are held in the units: the formation of personnel, the presentation of awards, the awarding of titles, as well as commemorative actions with the laying of flowers at the memorials of pilots and demonstration flights over the bases of the Navy.

In addition to large-scale air shows, performances by creative teams are organized in the country, and thematic programs dedicated to naval aviation are broadcast on radio and television.

Exhibitions dedicated to the holiday tell about the history of naval aviation and the greatest victories of Russian pilots in a number of cities. One of these exhibitions in 2025 will be held in St. Petersburg at the branch of the Central Naval Museum named after Emperor Peter the Great on the cruiser Aurora.

What do naval aviation units do?

Naval aviation troops perform a wide range of tasks, from detecting and destroying enemy submarines and eliminating surface aircraft carriers and other ships to covering groups of ships and fleet facilities from enemy air strikes.

These elite troops also conduct aerial reconnaissance, destroy enemy planes, helicopters and cruise missiles, participate in mining the water area, are involved in mine action, electronic warfare and search and rescue operations at sea.

Today, the aviation of the Russian Navy is the parent force of the Russian Navy. According to its location, it is divided into carrier-based aviation and shore-based aviation. The basis of naval aviation consists of airplanes and helicopters for various purposes.

All four Russian fleets — the Baltic, Pacific, Northern and Black Sea fleets - have their own aviation. The units have the most modern weapons, which allows them to successfully solve the entire range of combat missions.

In 2024, military naval pilots got their own official symbol — the flag of naval aviation. The banner is a white rectangular panel, which depicts a golden anchor with wings on an anchor chain against a background of crossed blue-blue rays. The emblem symbolizes naval service, speed, mobility and the traditional colors of the uniform of naval pilots.

The initiative to create and award the flag to naval aviation was established by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin after the start of active use of naval aviation in the Syrian Arab Republic and during a special military operation to protect Donbass.

In November 2024, the first-ever Navy aviation flag was presented to its chief, Major General Andrei Pakhomov, by Admiral Alexander Moiseev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy.

The presentation of the flag was a historic event and a confirmation of the great achievements of the naval pilots. Since then, it has been raised in all units and formations of naval aviation.

Earlier in July, Russia celebrated Flight Attendant's Day. Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of this holiday.