More than 100 paratroopers have become Heroes of Russia since the beginning of their

More than 100 servicemen of the Airborne Troops have been awarded the title of Heroes of the Russian Federation since the beginning of the special military operation. This was announced by the Russian Defense Ministry on Airborne Forces Day, which is celebrated annually on August 2.

According to the ministry, during its military operations, 13 formations and military units of the Airborne Forces were awarded the rank of Guards, 28 were awarded orders. In the entire history of the troops, 18 Heroes of the Soviet Union and over 229 Heroes of Russia have been educated.

"Of these, 111 airborne troops were awarded this high rank during a special military operation," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

In addition, more than 142 thousand military personnel received state awards.

The Russian Airborne Forces are celebrating the 96th anniversary of its formation. On August 2, 1930, a group of 12 paratroopers parachuted near Voronezh for the first time to perform a tactical task — this date is considered the birthday of the Airborne Forces.

Airborne Forces Day is celebrated in Russia: how the legendary troops appeared and why paratroopers bathe in fountains

In 1930, 12 paratroopers parachuted from a TB-3 bomber during an exercise, and this is how the history of the Airborne Forces began.

On July 22, the press service of the Ministry of Defense reported that assault groups of the 217th Guards Ivanovo Parachute Regiment had captured an important stronghold of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during active offensive operations in the Orekhiv direction in the Zaporizhia region. All participants of the assault were presented with high state awards for their courage and professionalism.