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7TH AAF CORPS: WHO WE ARE

ABOUT THE 7TH CORPS

The 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the first corps unit of the Air Assault Forces. 

The 7th AAF Corps is not only about the bravery and endurance of Ukrainian paratroopers. It is also about the high level of training of personnel, the use of advanced technologies in combat operations and good management.

The Corps focuses on the use of innovations, new methods and tactical techniques. Unmanned systems, FPV drones, robotic platforms, R&D, 3D printers, innovative training systems and modern weapons have become an integral part of our combat operations. 

We call this “tech airborne”.

It is a new stage in the development of the Air Assault Forces, combining the professionalism of soldiers with the latest technology. 

The motto reflects our philosophy of continuous development, initiative, and technological superiority on the battlefield. 

It echoes the general airborne motto “Always first”, emphasizing our affiliation with the Air Assault Forces and our loyalty to combat traditions. 

The corps’ motto

WE ARE AIR ASSAULT FORCES

The Air Assault Forces are the choice of those who are ready to join the strongest. Those who serve here are carefully selected. 

The AAF consist of a small number of units, but each of them is unique. This is a small circle of professionals who form the true elite of the Armed Forces.

Regular units

The AAF are professional soldiers with extensive experience in real combat operations. They undergo a tough selection process and training, so each unit consists of highly qualified specialists capable of performing the most difficult tasks.

Airborne operations will go down in history

Paratroopers have proven themselves in the most difficult battles: the defense of Donetsk Airport, the liberation of Balakliia and Izium, the counteroffensive in the Kherson region, and the battles in the Kursk region. These are the stories that have already become the prime examples of professionalism and courage that define the course of modern warfare.

Well-coordinated teams

The units of the 7th Corps use a modern planning system called MDMP and After Action Review. Each operation is carefully prepared, all risks are considered, and mistakes become experience. That is why paratroopers act in a holistic way.

Continuous combat training

Soldiers from the corps’ units train continuously: from tactical actions and working with drones to real-time management. This allows them to perform tasks quickly, autonomously, and with minimal losses.

An atmosphere of true brotherhood

The main strength of the AAF lies in trust, support, and a special fighting spirit that cannot be described in words – it has to be felt.

WHY “TECH AIRBORNE”?

The 7th Rapid Response Corps, AAF AFU, is a laboratory for new solutions: the use of drones in assaults, automated platforms, air defense systems, real-time combat management, and even the integration of AI. This is not an “add-on” to weapons –  it’s a fully-fledged weapon that saves lives. 

This is the next generation of airborne forces – “tech airborne”

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Engineering laboratories right on the front line

In response to the challenges of combat, new solutions are born here: the modernization of equipment and the development of our own weapons systems and technologies.

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The use of AI in reconnaissance and targeting the enemy

Artificial intelligence technologies help analyze data faster, identify targets, and make decisions in real time.

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Use of ground drones

Ground-based robotic systems reduce risks for soldiers and increase efficiency on the battlefield by taking on the most dangerous tasks, from striking the enemy to delivering ammunition and evacuating the wounded.

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Use of drones for assault operations

Drones provide reconnaissance, fire correction, and even direct participation in assaults, making operations faster and more accurate.

TRAINING OF “TECH AIRBORNE” TROOPS

A paratrooper is a symbol of heroism, bravery, and courage. Today, the Air Assault Forces must operate in accordance with the new conditions of war, which is becoming increasingly technological.

The use of automated combat systems, IT solutions and drones as distinct combat units is part of the daily work of brigades on the front line.

Corps Commander

Brigadier General Ievhen Lasiychuk

Knight of the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 2nd and 3rd classes. In 2024, he was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Gold Star for personal courage and heroism in defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and loyalty to the military oath during the Russo-Ukrainian war.

STRUCTURE OF THE CORPS

The command of the 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was established on July 17, 2023, on the feast day of the patron saint of Ukrainian paratroopers, Archangel Michael. 

It includes all airborne assault and airmobile brigades, an artillery brigade, separate tank units, a regiment, and a command battalion. 

In the context of active warfare, the structure of the corps remains flexible, with new units being added to the formation. When creating new units, special attention is paid to their technological components and ability to quickly adapt to the challenges of modern warfare.

25th
Airborne Brigade “Sicheslavska”

An elite unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, distinguished by its high professionalism, courage and dedication to its cause. The brigade gained combat experience long before the Russian aggression in Ukraine through its participation in peacekeeping missions.

The brigade is a unique formation of the Ukrainian airborne forces – it is the only one capable of deploying nearly all of its personnel and equipment by parachute.

In recent history, the unit has used classic airborne tactics in combat operations, combined with the latest technologies – drones, electronic warfare, artificial intelligence, digital solutions and innovative tactics. Thus, the 25th Brigade became the founder of the “tech airborne” concept.

Commander Andriy Turchyn, Colonel

77th
Airmobile Brigade “Naddniprianska”

The unit was formed relatively recently, taking into account modern combat experience, and is equipped with the latest NATO weapons and equipment. Despite this, the paratroopers of the 77th Brigade have already seen considerable combat and earned the respect of their fellow paratroopers.

The high level of training of the fighters gives them an advantage and the ability to destroy the enemy on the battlefield as effectively as possible and with minimal losses.

Commander Serhiy Nesterchuk, Colonel

78th
Air Assault Brigade

A relatively new formation, whose history dates back to the full-scale invasion of Russian troops in 2022. In those times the unit was a regiment. Most of the servicemen were volunteers, who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the first days of the invasion.

In December 2025, the unit becames a brigade.

As a rule, the servicemen of the 78th Brigade are involved in combats and tasks on the main effort axis of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Everyone who joined the newly formed unit is united by the desire to protect their families and loved ones, their country.

Commander Roman Ievchun, Colonel

79th
Air Assault Brigade “Tavriyska”

An elite military unit within the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Tavriya paratroopers took part in all the major battles of the first period of the Russo-Ukrainian War. They were nicknamed “cyborgs” for their participation in the defense of Donetsk airport. After the start of the full-scale invasion, the 79th Brigade destroyed or damaged hundreds of enemy tanks and armored combat vehicles, and dozens of artillery pieces. They shot down aircraft and hundreds of tactical-level UAVs. This is equivalent to several full mechanized and tank brigades.

Commander Eduard Kolodiy, Colonel

81st
Airmobile Brigade “Slobozhanska”

The brigade’s motto: “Born to win!”. The brigade was formed during the active phase of hostilities in eastern Ukraine in 2014, based on the 95th, 80th and 25th Airborne Brigades. The paratroopers of this legendary brigade were the last to leave the completely destroyed Donetsk airport, defending it for about 120 days. The 81st Brigade is made up of people who are truly making history with their courageous and brave actions.

Commander Mykhailo Kusiak, Colonel

147th
Artillery Brigade

The brigade is armed with modern Western and domestic artillery, as well as unmanned aerial systems that ensure accurate fire at long ranges. The main task of the brigade is to support offensive and defensive operations and gain superiority in firepower against the enemy. The 147th Artillery Brigade was formed by military personnel with many years of combat experience. Among them are fighters from the 25th, 79th, 148th and other brigades of the Air Assault Forces.

Commander Viktor Dovhal, Colonel

132th
Separate Reconnaissance Battalion

A specialized military intelligence unit was established in 2018 and has taken part in combat operations on virtually all fronts, including operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Reconnaissance troops of the 132nd Battalion carry out missions to detect enemy forces, adjust fire, conduct assault operations, and more. To accomplish these tasks, they use, among other assets, aerial and radar reconnaissance systems.

Commander Oleksii Shuhailo, Lieutenant Colonel

237th
Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion

The 237th Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion (USB) is a unit within the 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The battalion actively develops and employs drones for reconnaissance and target engagement, ensuring unified operational standards and analytics, which significantly increases combat effectiveness on the frontline—especially in the Pokrovsk sector.

87th
Separate Headquarters Battalion

The 87th Separate Headquarters Battalion of the Air Assault Forces is responsible for command, control, and coordination of air assault units. The battalion provides communications, oversight, and logistical support for Air Assault Forces operations, ensuring effective execution of combat missions during both training exercises and real combat conditions.

231th
Separate Logistics Battalion

The 231st Separate Logistics Battalion is a support unit that plays a key role in maintaining the combat readiness of military units. The battalion’s main task is to ensure the timely and uninterrupted supply of everything necessary for units to accomplish their combat missions — from ammunition and fuel to vehicles, equipment, and other material resources.

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25th
Airborne Brigade “Sicheslavska”
contract 18-24
77th
Airmobile Brigade “Naddniprianska”
contract 18-24
78th
Air Assault Brigade
contract 18-24
79th
Air Assault Brigade “Tavriyska”
contract 18-24
81st
Airmobile Brigade “Slobozhanska”
contract 18-24
147th
Artillery Brigade
132th
Separate Reconnaissance Battalion
contract 18-24
237th
Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion
87th
Separate Headquarters Battalion
231th
Separate Logistics Battalion

CORPS SYMBOLS

The chevron of the 7th Rapid Response Corps, AAF AFU, combines a stylized wing, mace and sword in golden tones. 

Each element has its own meaning:

The wing symbolizes mobility and the air component of the airborne troops.

The sword means readiness to act decisively in both defense and attack.

The mace symbolizes command and control.

SUPPORT THE CORPS

Charitable organization “International Charitable Foundation
“7th Corps of Airborne Assault Troops”

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