MOSCOW, August 12. /TASS/. Thirty-six military pilots have been awarded the Gold Star of the Hero of Russia for their service during the special military operation, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

"Today, the Air Force is successfully carrying tasks assigned to it in the special military operation. For courage and heroism displayed during the operation, 36 military pilots have been awarded the highest honor - the title of Hero of the Russian Federation," the statement says.

The ministry noted that August 12 marks the 114th anniversary of the establishment of the country’s Air Force.

The founding date of Russian military aviation is August 12, 1912, when by order of the military department, aviation and aeronautics was transferred from the Main Engineering Directorate to the new Aeronautical Unit of the General Staff, a specially created body.