10th Naval Aviation Brigade (Ukraine)

The 10th Naval Aviation Brigade is a Ukrainian Navy aviation formation and the sole brigade of Ukraine’s Naval Aviation. Established in 2004 through the consolidation of three pre-existing naval aviation units, it performs maritime surveillance, transport, search-and-rescue, liaison, training and combat-support missions. Its inventory has changed substantially over time, reflecting Ukraine’s post-Soviet force reductions, aircraft transfers to the Ukrainian Air Force, restoration of legacy helicopters, acquisition of modernized aircraft and the introduction of unmanned systems. The brigade was formed from the 9th Mixed Marine Aircraft Squadron, the 316th Separate Marine Aviation Squadron and the 555th Naval Helicopter Regiment. Yuriy Moskalyov, the last commander of the 555th Regiment, became its first commander. The unit was initially associated with Novofedorivka in Crimea and received the designation “Saka” in 2008. Before Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, the brigade operated a comparatively large and diverse collection of Soviet-designed aircraft, including Kamov and Mil helicopters, Antonov transports and Beriev Be-12 amphibious aircraft. During the Russian seizure of Crimea in March 2014, the brigade carried out an emergency evacuation of its aircraft from Novofedorivka to mainland Ukraine. Four aircraft and five helicopters were moved in approximately eighteen minutes, followed by an additional helicopter evacuated several days later. The operation preserved the brigade’s combat aviation and made it the first Ukrainian unit reported to have removed all of its combat equipment from Crimea. It subsequently operated from Kulbakino near Mykolaiv and participated in Ukraine’s response to the war in Donbas, as well as multinational naval exercises. The brigade gradually shifted toward a smaller, more modern force. Mi-14 and Mi-8 variants were restored or modernized, a Ka-226 was adapted for medical evacuation, and An-2 aircraft were added for support duties. Ukraine’s acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft from Turkey gave the Naval Aviation a long-range reconnaissance and strike capability. During the full-scale Russian invasion launched in February 2022, the brigade dispersed aircraft to reserve locations and used helicopters and drones in operations connected with the Black Sea and Snake Island campaigns. Ukrainian accounts credited its TB2s with attacks on Russian patrol boats, air-defense systems and other targets, although individual operational claims may be contested. The brigade suffered a major wartime loss on 7 May 2022, when a Mi-14 helicopter was shot down during operations near Snake Island. Colonel Ihor Bedzai, the commander of Ukrainian Naval Aviation, and four other personnel were killed. In recognition of Bedzai, the brigade received his name in June 2022. The United Kingdom later transferred three former Royal Navy Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine; these were incorporated into the brigade. In July 2023, the formation received the Ukrainian honorary award “For Courage and Bravery.”

The brigade’s institutional roots lie in the naval aviation units inherited by Ukraine after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. During the 1990s and 2000s, Ukraine reduced and reorganized its armed forces, selling, transferring or retiring substantial numbers of aircraft. In 2004, the Ukrainian Navy consolidated the 9th Mixed Marine Aircraft Squadron, the 316th Separate Marine Aviation Squadron and the 555th Naval Helicopter Regiment into the 10th Naval Aviation Brigade. Yuriy Moskalyov, formerly the commander of the 555th Regiment, became the new formation’s first commander. The brigade was associated with Novofedorivka in Crimea and was designated Saka in October 2008. Around 2010, it reportedly had approximately 2,500 personnel and a broad inventory of Soviet-designed fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Many fixed-wing aircraft were transferred to the Ukrainian Air Force, while naval aviation retained selected Antonov transports and Be-12 flying boats. Its helicopter fleet included Kamov Ka-25 and Ka-27 variants, Mil Mi-14 aircraft and Mil Mi-6 heavy helicopters. Ukrainian naval units and their supporting aircraft also participated in international maritime deployments, including Operation Atalanta and Operation Ocean Shield. The most consequential early turning point came in March 2014, when Russian forces seized Crimea. The brigade evacuated its aircraft from Novofedorivka to Kulbakino on the Ukrainian mainland. The evacuation began on 3 March and involved helicopters departing directly from their hangars, followed by fixed-wing aircraft. Four aircraft and five helicopters were moved in approximately eighteen minutes; another helicopter was flown out several days later. The brigade therefore retained its aircraft despite losing its Crimean base. The same period also saw the killing of Major Stanislav Karachevsky and the abduction and beating of another Ukrainian serviceman in an incident involving Russian troops. After relocating to Mykolaiv, the brigade supported Ukrainian naval and national defense activities and participated in Sea Breeze exercises in 2014 and 2016. Its equipment was progressively restored and modernized. Mi-14PL helicopters returned after repair in 2017, a Ka-226 was adapted for medical missions in 2018, and modernized Mi-8MSB-V helicopters arrived in 2019 and 2021. The Navy also received Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft from Turkey, while An-2 aircraft were added for utility and support roles. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, the brigade reportedly maintained roughly 1,000 personnel and a smaller operational inventory centered on Mi-8MSB-V, Ka-27, Ka-226 and Mi-14 helicopters, An-2 aircraft and TB2 drones. Aircraft were dispersed to reserve airfields and strips to reduce vulnerability to missile attacks. During the invasion, the brigade’s drones and helicopters operated in the Black Sea theater, including actions around Snake Island. Ukrainian reporting attributed several attacks on Russian vessels, air-defense systems and aircraft to brigade-operated TB2s. These claims form part of wartime reporting and should be interpreted with appropriate caution. On 7 May 2022, a Mi-14 involved in operations near Snake Island was hit by a Russian air-to-air missile. Colonel Ihor Bedzai and four other crew members died. Bedzai had commanded the brigade from 2013 to 2019 and later served as commander of Ukrainian Naval Aviation. On 24 June 2022, the brigade received his honorary name. The United Kingdom’s transfer of three former Royal Navy Sea Kings expanded the brigade’s international equipment base. In July 2023, Ukraine granted the formation the honorary award For Courage and Bravery. The brigade remains headquartered at Kulbakino near Mykolaiv and is organized around fixed-wing, helicopter and UAV elements, together with communications, maintenance, logistics, rescue, meteorological, engineering and security components.

1. 2023For Courage and Bravery award

   The brigade received a Ukrainian honorary award recognizing courage and bravery.

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2. 2022Bedzai honorary name granted

   Following the death of Colonel Ihor Bedzai, the brigade received his honorary name.

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3. 2019Naval TB2 capability introduced

   Ukraine received its first six Bayraktar TB2 drones for naval use.

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4. 2017Mi-14PL restoration program

   Two restored Mi-14PL helicopters were delivered during the year.

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5. 2014Evacuation from Crimea

   The brigade relocated its combat aircraft from Novofedorivka to mainland Ukraine during Russia’s seizure of Crimea.

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6. 2008Saka designation assigned

   The brigade received the name Saka, linked to its deployment location in Crimea.

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7. 2004Formation of the brigade

   The 10th Naval Aviation Brigade was created by merging three Ukrainian naval aviation units.

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A specialized Ukrainian naval aviation formation focused on maritime air operations, reconnaissance, helicopter support, unmanned systems and combat missions.

• Bayraktar TB2Unmanned aerial vehicle2019

  The Bayraktar TB2 is a Turkish-made unmanned aircraft used by Ukrainian forces for surveillance and strike missions. Ukraine received its first six aircraft for naval service in 2019. During the full-scale invasion, TB2s associated with the brigade were reported in operations around the Black Sea and Snake Island, including attacks on maritime and air-defense targets.

• Mi-8MSB-VUtility and transport helicopter2019

  The Mi-8MSB-V is a modernized Ukrainian version of the Mi-8 utility helicopter. The brigade received examples upgraded by Motor Sich in 2019 and additional aircraft in 2021. The type supports transport, liaison, rescue and other utility missions.

• Mi-14Maritime helicopter

  The Mi-14 is a Soviet-designed amphibious maritime helicopter used for naval support and related missions. Mi-14PL aircraft were restored and returned to brigade service in 2017. One Mi-14 was lost during combat near Snake Island in May 2022.

• Westland Sea KingMaritime helicopter2022

  Three former Royal Navy Westland Sea King helicopters were donated by the United Kingdom in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. They were incorporated into Ukrainian Naval Aviation and provide additional maritime helicopter capacity.

• An-2Utility aircraft2019

  The brigade operates An-2 utility aircraft for support and transport-related duties. One aircraft was donated to the Ukrainian Navy in 2019, while another, confiscated from smugglers, entered the inventory in 2020.

• 2022Snake Island and Black Sea operations

  Black Sea

  The brigade used TB2 drones and helicopters in operations around Snake Island and the northwestern Black Sea during Russia’s full-scale invasion.

  Outcome. Ukrainian reporting credited the unit with attacks on Russian vessels, air-defense systems and aircraft, while the brigade also suffered the loss of a Mi-14 and five personnel.

  Source
• 2016Sea Breeze 2016

  Ukraine · Black Sea region

  The brigade again took part in the international Sea Breeze exercise.

  Outcome. The exercise provided multinational training for maritime operations.

  Source
• 2014Evacuation from Crimea

  Ukraine

  The brigade evacuated its aircraft from Novofedorivka to Kulbakino during Russia’s annexation of Crimea, preserving its combat aviation capability on the mainland.

  Outcome. The brigade retained its combat aircraft and continued operating from mainland Ukraine.

  Source
• 2014Sea Breeze 2014

  Ukraine · Black Sea region

  The brigade participated in the multinational Sea Breeze naval exercise.

  Outcome. Participation supported interoperability with partner naval forces.

  Source

• 2022Pre-invasion aircraft dispersalStrategy

  Russian missile attacks were expected after the full-scale invasion began.

  What changed. The brigade pre-deployed aircraft to reserve airfields and strips before 24 February.

  Aftermath. The dispersal was intended to reduce the risk of losing aircraft to strikes on fixed bases.

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• 2019Integration of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraftProduct launch

  Ukraine sought to expand naval surveillance and strike capabilities with unmanned systems.

  What changed. The Ukrainian Navy received six Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey for naval service.

  Aftermath. The brigade gained a significant unmanned reconnaissance and strike component used during later Black Sea operations.

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• 2014Relocation of aircraft from CrimeaStrategy

  The brigade faced the loss of its Crimean base during Russia’s seizure of the peninsula.

  What changed. Aircraft were rapidly dispersed and flown to Kulbakino and other mainland locations.

  Aftermath. The formation preserved its combat aviation inventory and continued operating from mainland Ukraine.

  Source

• 2014Killing of Major Stanislav KarachevskyControversy

  Major Stanislav Karachevsky was killed during an altercation at a military dormitory in Crimea amid the evacuation of Ukrainian forces. A second Ukrainian serviceman was reportedly beaten and abducted. The incident was attributed in the reference material to Russian personnel, and a Russian military court convicted a sergeant for murder.

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• 2023Brigade receives For Courage and Bravery award

  Ukraine awarded the brigade the honorary distinction For Courage and Bravery.

  Other
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• 2022Training building with flight simulators opened

  The brigade received a training facility with flight simulators, instructional workstations, interactive boards and a gym.

  Other
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• 2022TB2 operations during the full-scale invasion

  The brigade used Bayraktar TB2 drones in reconnaissance and reported strikes connected with the defense of the Black Sea and Snake Island.

  Other
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• 2022Colonel Ihor Bedzai killed near Snake Island

  A Mi-14 helicopter was shot down on 7 May, killing Bedzai and four other personnel. The brigade later received Bedzai’s name.

  Other
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• 2022Former Royal Navy Sea Kings transferred to Ukraine

  The United Kingdom announced the donation of three former Royal Navy Westland Sea King helicopters, which entered brigade service.

  M&AProduct launch
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• 2021Additional modernized Mi-8MSB-V helicopters delivered

  Two more modernized Mi-8MSB-V helicopters were received in November.

  Product generation
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• 2020Confiscated An-2 added to brigade inventory

  An An-2 confiscated from smugglers was transferred to the brigade.

  Other
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• 2019Bayraktar TB2 drones enter Ukrainian naval service

  Ukraine received its first six Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft, which became associated with naval aviation operations.

  Product launch
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• 2019Modernized Mi-8MSB-V helicopters delivered

  Two helicopters modernized by Motor Sich were delivered to the brigade during the year.

  Product generation
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• 2019An-2 donated to Ukrainian Naval Aviation

  A private An-2 aircraft was presented to the Ukrainian Navy and inducted into the brigade.

  Other
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• 2018Ka-226 medical helicopter received

  The brigade received a Ka-226 adapted for military medical duties.

  Product launch
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• 2017Restored Mi-14PL helicopters returned to service

  Two Mi-14PL helicopters were returned to the brigade after restoration work.

  Product generation
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• 2016Participation in Sea Breeze 2016

  The brigade took part in the international Sea Breeze naval exercise.

  Other
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• 2014Aircraft evacuated from Crimea during Russian intervention

  The brigade moved its aircraft from Novofedorivka to mainland Ukraine during the seizure of Crimea.

  Other
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• 2014Participation in Sea Breeze 2014

  The brigade participated in the multinational Sea Breeze exercise.

  Other
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• 2008Brigade receives the Saka designation

  The unit was given the name Saka in reference to its place of deployment.

  Other
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• 200410th Naval Aviation Brigade established through unit merger

  The Ukrainian Navy created the brigade by merging three naval aviation formations.

  Other
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1. 10th Naval Aviation Brigade