An anti-aircraft missile and artillery battalion was established from scratch within the Azov Regiment. The unit was formed by a small group of fighters who laid the foundation for the battalion’s future combat and technical capabilities.
Anti-Aircraft Missile Artillery Division 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov”
About unit
The anti-aircraft missile and artillery division was established in May 2018 at the Yurievka forward operating base as part of the Azov Regiment. The unit was formed from scratch by a small group of fighters and saw its first combat action as early as 2019 during the battles on the Svitlodarsk arc.
With the start of the full-scale invasion, the entire division took up positions to defend Mariupol. The unit’s fighters engaged in battles on the outskirts of the city, actively participated in street fighting and the city’s defense, and later operated within the Azovstal territory, carrying out missions under the most extreme conditions. After receiving orders, the personnel, along with other defenders of Mariupol, surrendered honorably.
In June 2022, the division was reconstituted and returned to combat operations. The unit participated in the attempt to break the siege of Mariupol, in battles near Velyka Novosilka, and on the Zaporizhzhia front. In the summer of 2023, after integrating into the 12th Azov Brigade, the division carried out missions in the Lyman sector.
In 2024, the unit operated in the New York and Toretsk sectors, developing new capabilities and strengthening coordination with the infantry. Since 2025, the division has been carrying out combat missions as part of the 12th Azov Brigade, which is part of the 1st Azov National Guard Corps, in the Dobropillia sector.
The unit’s primary mission is to deny the enemy air superiority within its area of responsibility. The division maintains constant control of the airspace, successfully counters enemy reconnaissance and strike assets, limits the enemy’s ability to conduct reconnaissance and launch strikes, and prevents the enemy from gaining air superiority over the units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
ZRADn is a unit forged in battle. Its strength lies in its experience, resilience, and ability to carry out missions where the outcome of the battle is decided.
Symbols
History
The unit saw its first combat action during the fighting on the Svitlodarsk arc. The soldiers gained their first experience operating in active combat conditions and carrying out missions to provide air cover for other units.
With the start of the full-scale invasion, the entire division took up positions to defend Mariupol. The soldiers fought on the outskirts of the city, took part in street battles, and defended Azovstal. After receiving orders from the higher military command, the troops surrendered along with the city’s other defenders.
After being reorganized, the unit resumed combat operations. The division took part in the attempt to relieve the siege of Mariupol and carried out missions in the battles near Velyka Novosilka and in the Zaporizhzhia sector.
After integrating into the 12th “Azov” Brigade, the division began a new phase of combat operations in the Lyman sector.
The division carried out combat missions on one of the most challenging sectors of the front. During this period, the UAV sector saw significant development; in particular, a battery of anti-aircraft unmanned aerial systems was established.
The 12th Azov Brigade, of which the division is a part, has been incorporated into the 1st Azov National Guard Corps. The unit has continued to develop its combat and technical capabilities within the corps structure.
The division continues to carry out combat missions in the Dobropillia sector. The unit maintains control of the airspace and counters enemy reconnaissance and strike assets.
Commander
Volodymyr “Myron” Hryb
Lieutenant ColonelHe has served in the anti-aircraft missile and artillery division since its inception. He participated in the formation and development of the unit, where he later commanded the 1st ZU-23 battery based on the MT-LB.
In 2019, he gained his first combat experience on the Svitlodarsk arc.
In July 2021, he was appointed commander of the anti-aircraft missile and artillery division.
With the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, he directly commanded the unit and participated in street fighting during the defense of Mariupol, where he sustained a bullet wound to his right arm. After being evacuated to Azovstal and subsequently flown by helicopter to Zaporizhzhia, he underwent treatment and returned to duty in June, beginning the unit’s reorganization.
He subsequently organized the division’s combat operations during the attempt to break the siege of Mariupol, in battles near Velyka Novosilka, and on the Zaporizhzhia front. As part of the 12th Azov Brigade, he carried out missions in the Lyman, later New York, and Toretsk sectors, and currently in the Dobropillia sector.
In 2024, he initiated the creation of a battery of anti-aircraft unmanned aerial systems and integrated it into the division, which became one of the key components of the unit’s operations.
He was awarded the Order “For Courage” (3rd class), the Presidential Distinctions “For Participation in the ATO” and “For the Defense of Ukraine,” as well as departmental distinctions from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Guard of Ukraine.
A commander who has led the unit from its inception through its development in combat conditions and continues to effectively lead it in modern warfare.
