Commander of Ukraine’s 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade Killed in Combat Mission
AI Analysis
Colonel Oleksandr Dovgach, commander of Ukraine's 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, was killed during a combat mission against Russian forces, highlighting the challenges faced by Ukrainian pilots amid Russian air superiority. His death is part of a series of losses suffered by the Ukrainian Air Force in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Colonel Oleksandr Dovgach was killed during a combat mission on the eastern front.
- Dovgach was a Hero of Ukraine and an experienced combat pilot.
- He died amid significant Russian air superiority and active air defense systems.
- The Ukrainian Air Force has suffered multiple pilot losses in 2025.
- Dovgach's brigade was involved in precise strikes against Russian targets and intercepting drones and missiles.
Why It Matters
The loss of Colonel Dovgach underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine in countering Russian air superiority and defense systems. This highlights the strategic importance of enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities and the need for continued support from allies to counteract advanced Russian military technology.
Colonel Oleksandr Dovgach, commander of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade and a Hero of Ukraine, was killed during a combat mission on the eastern front on March 9, the Ukrainian Air Force reported.
According to the Air Force, Dovgach died while carrying out a mission in conditions of significant Russian air superiority and intense activity from Russian air defense systems.
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In a statement posted on Telegram, the Air Force described the loss as a painful blow for Ukrainian aviation and the country.
“Unfortunately, we have another painful loss for our aviation family and the entire country. We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones… Honor to the Hero!”
The Air Force said Dovgach died in the afternoon while completing a combat task.
“A Hero of Ukraine. He once again completed a combat mission, unfortunately, at the cost of his own life,” the statement said.
According to the Air Force, Dovgach was not only a commander but also an experienced combat pilot who personally flew hundreds of sorties during the war.
Since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the brigade under his command delivered precise strikes against Russian command posts, equipment and communications.
He also repeatedly provided cover for strike and bomber aircraft, helping intercept Russian drones and missiles.
“He fought for the Kyiv region, Kharkiv region, Kherson region, and Zmiiniy Island. He was the first to go into battle, took on the most risky tasks, and inspired his subordinates to take bold and decisive actions,” the Air Force said.
The circumstances of his death are still being established.
Several Ukrainian pilots have been killed in action during the ongoing war with Russia.
In early September 2025, Ukraine’s 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade reported that Major Oleksandr Borovyk, the pilot of a Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet (NATO reporting name: Flanker), was killed during combat operations near Zaporizhzhia. Borovyk was carrying out a combat mission on the Zaporizhzhia front when his aircraft went down at around 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 11.
The Ukrainian Air Force has suffered several other losses among its pilots in 2025. On Aug. 23, Major Serhiy Bondar of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade died when his Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter crashed during a landing approach following a combat mission.
Earlier, on June 29, Lt. Col. Maksym Ustymenko was killed while defending against a large-scale Russian air attack while flying a F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Another loss came on April 12, when 26-year-old pilot Pavlo Ivanov was killed while carrying out a combat mission in an F-16.
This news story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Julia Struck is a Deputy Head of News and correspondent for Kyiv Post who has previously worked as a parliamentary editor, journalist, and news editor. She has specialized in covering the work of the Ukrainian parliament, government, and law enforcement agencies.