UK intelligence outlines blown-up A-50 AEW system's significance for Moscow

The Russian A-50 MAINSTAY Airborne Early Warning (AEW) System that has recently been hit in Belarus was of great significance for Russia in providing an air battlespace picture.

“On January 19, 2023, amateur aircraft spotters observed a Russian A-50 MAINSTAY Airborne Early Warning (AEW) System accompanied by two MIG-31K FOXHOUND fighters departing from Machulishchy air base, Belarus, participating in joint Russian-Belarusian air drills between January 16 and February 1, 2023,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the UK Defence Intelligence update on the situation around Ukraine.

“On February 26, 2023, Belarusian partisan group BYPOL and exiled opposition leaders reported an A-50 MAINSTAY had sustained damage from Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attacks at Maschulishchy air base. BYPOL reported two explosions and damage to the front and middle sections of the A-50 MAINSTAY as well as the radar antenna,” the report says.

According to British intelligence, the A-50 MAINSTAY is a Russian airborne early warning and control platform. Its role is to build a recognised air picture and to provide coordination with adjoining fighter aircraft.

“Attribution and damage have not been officially corroborated. However, the loss of an A-50 MAINSTAY would be significant as it is critical to Russian air operations for providing an air battlespace picture. This will likely leave 6 operational A-50s in service, further constraining Russian air operations,” the update notes.