UK intelligence assesses liquidation of Russian A-50 aircraft as "significant"

The successful elimination of the Russian A-50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft will lead to a limitation of the coverage areas of Russian aviation, Caliber.Az reports, citing the British Defence Ministry’s review.

“On 14 January 2024, a Russian A-50 MAINSTAY, an Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, almost certainly exploded and subsequently crashed into the western Sea of Azov. Concurrently, a Russian IL-22M COOT B aircraft was reported damaged but landed in a nearby Russian airfield. As of 15 January 2024, Ukrainian Commander in Chief, General Valery Zaluzhnyi, claimed responsibility for the loss of the A-50 and damage to the COOT B.

The possible successful targeting of an A-50 MAINSTAY by Ukraine is significant. It is likely that Russia will now be forced to reconsider limiting the operational areas of its aircraft. The A-50 is critical to the Russian air surveillance picture over the battlespace.

The Russian Air Force possesses eight A-50 airframes which can likely cover the immediate operational impact. However, the increased stress on the remaining airframes coupled with the loss of the crew will likely constrain longer term mission sustainability,” the report says.