Anti-Aircraft Missile Troops Day is observed in Ukraine every July 3 to honor the contributions of the Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile troops to the country's defense. Established by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Mykhaylo Yezhel, this holiday recognizes the role of these troops, which were officially formed in 1992 from Soviet-era units. Their primary responsibility is to protect critical military and political facilities, as well as energy infrastructure, from air strikes. Key locations requiring air defense include five nuclear power plants and several dams in Ukraine, as well as major cities like Kyiv and Odesa. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, the significance of this day has increased, highlighting the troops' effectiveness in countering aerial threats. The Ukrainian Armed Forces, including the Air Force, Ground Forces, and Navy, utilize various surface-to-air missile systems to safeguard the skies.