he Ukrainian Air Force announced it has shot down a Russian A-50U spy plane over the Sea of Azov. The A-50U, an advanced version of Russia’s airborne early warning and control system, is crucial for monitoring air defenses and coordinating military operations. It carries a crew of up to 15 and is valued at over $300 million.
Ukrainian Intelligence has released a statement claiming responsibility for the downing of the advanced aircraft, and would represent the second A-50U plane downed this year. Following the incident, the Main Directorate of Intelligence for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense also reported that Russia recalled five other aircraft from their missions, including two Su-35 and three Su-34 planes, signaling a pause in their airstrike capabilities near certain operational areas.
The downing of the A-50U could impact Russia’s ability to conduct aerial surveillance and coordinate its air force operations effectively. Ukraine’s Intelligence Directorate stated that Russia has only 6 A-50U AWACS left in service.
Russian military correspondents have claimed that the Ukraine Military is not responsible for the downing of the aircraft, instead attributing the loss to friendly-fire from Russian air defense systems launched from the Melitopol region. Video’s have been circulated that show the moment of contact between the unidentified missile and the A-50 while it attempts to deploy heat traps. Â
Footage reportedly showing a SAM slamming into a Russian A-50 AEW&C aircraft over the Sea of Azov this evening. pic.twitter.com/sT0FJD3CF9
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 23, 2024
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