It was formed by redesignation of the 1st Air Army in February 1949 (in accordance with a decree of 10 January 1949, ГШ ВС СССР No.
ОРГ 120026), and controlled frontal aviation units stationed in the Belorussian Military District until the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
[1] The 120th Fighter Aviation Regiment began forming as part of the Soviet military buildup in response to tensions with China on 24 September 1969.
Following the completion of its formation in late 1970, the 120th IAP was relocated to Domna in the Transbaikal Military District in July 1971 in order to strengthen Soviet air forces on the border with China, its pilots making the flight in their aircraft.
[1] On 1 July 1989, the 979th Fighter Aviation Regiment at Schuchin (air base), Grodno Oblast was disbanded.