Incredibly, the Russian air force has lost another one of its rare Beriev A-50U/M Mainstay radar early-warning planes. Reportedly to Ukrainian action.
Incredibly, the Russian air force has lost another one of its rare Beriev A-50M/U Mainstay radar early-warning planes. Video that circulated online on Friday reportedly depicts the A-50’s burning wreckage in Krasnodar Krai, in Russia just east of the Sea of Azov.
The location of the crash, at least 120 miles from the front line in southern Ukraine, could indicate the four-engine, 15-person radar plane either suffered a mechanical failure—or took a hit while operating closer to the front and tried to make it back to its base in Krasnodar before exploding.
For what it’s worth, the Ukrainian air force claimed it shot down the A-50 with assistance from the intelligence directorate in Kyiv.
Either way, it’s a devastating blow for the battered Russian air force. The air arm has lost, mostly to Ukrainian long-range surface-to-air missiles—American-made Patriot PAC-2s, in particular—nine of its best planes in just a month. Including an A-50 that the Ukrainians hit over the Sea of Azov in January.
From what I understand the reality after the last one was downed is that there were probably 4 left active with the rest being used for parts because of sanctions.
Either Ukraine or Russia(accidental friendly fire) shot it down. It was probably Ukraine, risking one its few precious patriots and moving them close to the front. Ukraine is trying to shape the battlefield for the arrival of the F-16, so shooting down flying radar planes is very desirable.
Generally these radar planes are not only rare but extremely valuable for Russia's war efforts.
You know, usually the answer to such a question, as is the case here, is answered simply by reading the article.
Even the blurb in this one makes it obvious that it was American made Ukrainian missiles that have been widely responsible for this, but that they don't know whether this went down to a mechanical failure. And it seems that the gist of this is that they've now lost 22% (2 of 9) of this fleet which is important part of their air force, and that the loss of the trained troops might even be more devastating part of the loss.
Is anyone keeping score? How many are left? This is the same plane Belarusian saboteurs blew up towards the beginning of the war right? I seem to remember at the time they were saying Russia had maybe 7 in operation? I could have that wrong. It was a low number at any rate. And they were also saying these are effectively irreplaceable given the amount of tech that has to go into them and all the sanctioning on electronics. Articles suggested losing it was comparable to the loss of that Black Sea flagship that was sunk around the same time frame.
For what it’s worth, the Ukrainian air force claimed it shot down the A-50 with assistance from the intelligence directorate in Kyiv.
So with assistance of the US / Nato intelligence services.
Either way, it’s a devastating blow for the battered Russian air force. The air arm has lost, mostly to Ukrainian long-range surface-to-air missiles—American-made Patriot PAC-2s, in particular
2nd, but they ostensibly had 7 in active service. the Ukranians shot another already; and chances are there's some that are being used as parts donors for the others and so are unable to fly.