(Newsworthy.news) – Following Ukraine’s assertion that they downed a Russian A-50 surveillance plane, the Ukrainian Air Force spokeswoman stated on Friday that the Russians are “testing their luck” flying the kind of aircraft employed over the Sea of Azov.
The Russian Beriev A-50, referred to as the “Bumblebee,” was flying above the Sea of Azov Friday morning, as said by national television spokesperson Yurii Ihnat, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Army Chief of Staff Valery Zaluzhny said on January 14 that the Ukrainian Air Force had shot down the long-range radar detection and control aircraft and an IL-22 command jet.
Moscow relied on the A-50 for strike planning and enemy assault prevention during the Soviet Union era. According to Radio Svoboda, the Russian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, using official figures, the cost of each aircraft was around $330 million. Each plane can fly 15 airmen.
During the current conflict in Ukraine, Russian fighter planes rely on A-50 aircraft to coordinate targets, identify air defense systems, and direct missiles. Nine of these aircraft are in Russia’s possession.
A historic military triumph for Ukraine and a major setback for Russia, the Ukrainian military has shot down seven Russian planes since December. Amidst stagnation on the battlefield, Ukraine’s recent spike in jet downings is a ray of hope.
Although the exact method of bringing down the aircraft remains unknown, some observers have speculated that the Patriots, which Ukraine acquired in 2023, along with other modern air defense systems, may have had a role.
In an intelligence update on the war in Ukraine, the British defense ministry stated on Friday that the A-50 exploded and crashed into the Sea of Azov on January 14.
Following the event, Russian military bloggers attempted to deflect responsibility onto Moscow’s air defenses.
The aircraft may have been hit by “friendly fire” from Russian air defense, according to the Rybar Telegram channel, which is connected to Russia’s Defense Ministry.
Copyright 2024, Newsworthy.news
