Damage to a large Russian reconnaissance aircraft A-50U at the Belarusian airfield “Machulishchi” will have a serious impact on Russian air operations. This was reported by the intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in a report on February 28.
The damage to the aircraft has not yet been officially confirmed. However, the loss of the A-50 would be significant as it is critical for Russian air operations to provide a picture of the airborne combat space, the British intelligence report says.
The A-50 MAINSTAY early warning system (AWACS) on the territory of Belarus was of great importance for the Russian army. After the A-50 bombing, six more such aircraft remained in Russia.
The BYPOL guerrilla group and exiled opposition leaders reported that an A-50 MAINSTAY was damaged in a drone attack on 26 February at Machulishchi Air Base. Allegedly, two explosions occurred, damaging the front and middle parts of the A-50, as well as the radar antennas.
The A-50 MAINSTAY was created to form an air pattern and ensure coordination with fighters.
Recall that the A-50 arrived in Belarus on January 3, 2023, and since then it has made 12 sorties.
Source: Racurs
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