У повітряному бою загинув Герой України льотчик Олександр Довгач
The information was published on 9 March by the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On 9 March, during a combat mission in the eastern direction, the commander of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, stationed in the Zhytomyr region, Hero of Ukraine, Colonel Oleksandr Dovgach, was killed.
The Air Force reported that he was performing a combat mission in conditions of significant air superiority of the enemy and powerful counteraction by Russian air defence systems.
"Oleksandr Dovgach was not just a commander. He was a true leader and combat pilot. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, the brigade under his command dealt precise and painful blows to the enemy. He made hundreds of combat sorties, striking enemy command posts, equipment, and communications. He repeatedly provided cover for strike and bomber aircraft, destroying enemy drones and missiles. He fought for the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions, as well as Zmiinyi Island. He was the first to go into battle, took on the most risky tasks, and inspired his subordinates to act boldly and decisively. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Honour to the Hero!" said the Ukrainian Air Force.
The statement also noted that the circumstances of Oleksandr Dovgach's death are currently being investigated.
Oleksandr Ivanovych Dovgach graduated from the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University in Kharkiv. He served in the 831st Mirgorod Tactical Aviation Brigade in Poltava Oblast.
He had been participating in repelling Russian aggression since 2014.
In November 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Oleksandr Dovgach had flown more than 150 combat missions. He struck critical targets of the Russian army — command posts, equipment, communications facilities and manpower — provided cover for strike and bomber aircraft, and destroyed Russian drones and cruise missiles that threatened Ukrainian cities.
In 2025, Russian troops fired about 20 missiles at his plane.
Oleksandr Dovgach also took direct part in the liberation of Zmiinyi Island and the de-occupation of Kyiv, Kharkiv and the right bank of Kherson regions.
In 2015, he was awarded the Order of Danylo Halytskyi. As of 2026, he was a full Knight of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, having received the award in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
By Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 707/2025 of 30 September 2025, Oleksandr Dovgach was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and presented with the Order of the Golden Star. The award was presented to the commander of the 39th Brigade by the President of Ukraine.
