Russia deploys new A-50 aircraft away from Ukraine's sea coast, fearing another attack – UK intelligence
Фото: Wikimedia Commons
After the Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft over the Sea of Azov, enemy forces deployed another A-50 to patrol Ukraine's southern coast.
Yet, the aircraft is operating further away from the Azov Sea, the UK intelligence states in its latest report.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 19 January 2024.
Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/0npPvd2nrM #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/0lR7vlO9RH
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 19, 2024
Despite the absence of Russia's official position on the loss of its A-50 aircraft, Moscow's decision demonstrates tacit recognition of Ukraine's successful operation.
"If the loss of the A-50 had occurred by accident, such a decision would hardly have been necessary."
The A-50 long-range radar surveillance aircraft is designed to monitor targets in the air, on the ground, and at sea, and to guide other aircraft to them.
According to the Militarny outlet, the A-50 is based on the Il-76 military transport aircraft, which made its first flight on December 19, 1978, designed to replace the obsolete Tu-126.
During the Soviet era, the industry managed to produce about 31 airplanes, but currently there are about 12 in production, with many aircraft being deployed within the Indian forces.
On the evening of January 14, the Ukrainian military shot down two Russian aircraft over the Azov Sea.
The AFU chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi has already officially confirmed the destruction of a Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and an enemy Il-22 air control center.
The Ukrainian Air Force said it was a "revenge operation" for the Dnipro shelling on January 14, 2023.
The Russian Air Force lost more aircraft only during the Prigozhin mutiny. The Wagner PMC minions became the first to shoot down an Il-22, of which Russia has no more than 10 units.
