News of War Staff Writer
Image via Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on X
Ukraine Claims Destruction of Russian Spy Plane and Airborne Command Post in Azov Sea
Ukraine announced on Monday that it had successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian Beriev A-50 spy plane along with an Ilyushin Il-22 airborne command post in the Sea of Azov. This action is seen as a significant setback for Russian military efforts in the occupied southern regions of Ukraine.
"Ukraine's Air Force destroyed an enemy A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and an enemy IL-22 air control centre," declared army chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.
"I am grateful to the Air Force for the perfectly planned and executed operation in the Azov Sea region!"
The Ukrainian defence ministry estimated the value of the A-50 aircraft at $330 million, but did not specify the method used to destroy the planes.
The A-50, a legacy of the late Soviet era, is an advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft capable of monitoring a vast area for enemy forces, including aircraft, ships, and missiles.
Russian military bloggers have expressed concern over the loss of the A-50, citing its limited numbers and the rarity of its specialist operators. "It will be another dark day for the Russian Aerospace Forces and Air Defense," commented Rybar, a pro-Russian blogger with a large following, on the potential impact of such a loss.
The total number of A-50s in Russian service remains unclear. The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reported in 2021 that Russia operated nine A-50 aircraft, including four upgraded A-50U models.
According to the Russian defence ministry, the modernized A-50U has been active in Ukraine since the start of the conflict. This aircraft, known in NATO circles as 'Mainstay', is capable of detecting over 300 targets simultaneously, including missile launches up to 800 kilometres away and ground or sea targets within a 300-kilometres range.