Andriy Onufrak

Andriy Serhiiovych Onufrak (callsign “Hooligan”) is a Ukrainian military serviceman and fighter pilot of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a participant in the Russo-Ukrainian War who distinguished himself during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A full holder of the Order for Courage.

Andriy Onufrak was born in a small Ukrainian town near an airfield, which shaped his early interest in aviation. As a child, he witnessed military aircraft flying overhead and later visited the airfield, where he saw aircraft up close for the first time. This experience became one of the key factors influencing his professional aspirations.^[1]

During his school years, he became fascinated with the Su-27 fighter jet after seeing it perform a demonstration flight over his town. After completing secondary education, he entered the Ivan Kozhedub National University of the Air Force, choosing the pilot training program.^[1]

His studies coincided with the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014, which affected cadet training and led to changes in flight practice programs. Andriy belongs to the first group of Ukrainian cadets to complete training on Su-27 combat aircraft; at that time, only four graduates had done so.^[1]

Before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, he planned to pursue aerobatic mastery and represent Ukrainian aviation at international airshows. After 2022, his work became fully focused on combat missions within the Air Force.^[1]

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he served as an Su-27 pilot and the commander of a squadron of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade.^[2]

• Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, 3rd class (1 August 2025) — for personal bravery shown in defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and for dedicated service.^[3]

• Order for Courage, 1st class (21 October 2024) — for personal bravery and dedication demonstrated in defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.^[4]

• Order for Courage, 2nd class (8 January 2024) — for personal bravery shown in defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and for dedicated service.^[5]

• Order for Courage, 3rd class (26 March 2022) — for personal bravery and selfless actions in defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and loyalty to the military oath.^[6]

• Medal For Military Service to Ukraine (13 October 2020) — for significant personal contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capability, bravery and dedication during combat operations, high professionalism, and exemplary performance of duties.^[7]

• Inside the race to prevent Russia gaining full control of the skies above Ukraine // CNN World. — 2022.

• How Ukraine’s Outgunned Air Force Is Fighting Back Against Russian Jets // The New York Times. — 2022.