Ukraine claims it shot down Russia’s $330 million spy plane

Europe, News January 16, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The Ukrainian military said on January 15, 2024, that it successfully shot down Russia’s Beriev A-50 surveillance aircraft and an Ilyushin Il-22 airborne command post over the Sea of Azov region.

Kyiv did not disclose what sort of missiles and tracking systems were used to take down one of Russia’s most sophisticated spy aircraft nearly two years after Moscow’s full-scale invasion. However, it revealed that the plane was hit above the Sea of Azov, which lies roughly 100 kilometers from areas Kyiv holds.

Russia’s defense ministry had no immediate comment on Ukraine’s claims. The A-50 aircraft are the backbone of Russia’s aerial operations. These aircraft detect air defenses and coordinate targets for Russian fighter jets. An operation of such magnitude has the potential to disrupt future Russian missile strikes and introduce delays in their strategic plans.

Ukrainian Army chief Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi said the air force had “destroyed” an A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft, and an Il-22 air control center. Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk also repeated the downing of the aircraft in a Telegram post but did not provide details.

Having entered service in the Russian military around the end of the Soviet era, the A-50 is a large Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft capable of scanning an expansive area spanning several hundred kilometers for enemy aircraft, ships, and missiles. The Ukrainian defense ministry has assessed the value of the Russian A-50 aircraft at $330 million.

It is unclear how many such aircraft the Russian Air Force operates since its records are kept secret. However, according to an assessment made by British intelligence sources, there are at least six A-50 spy planes in service for the Russian military.

Russia has made several upgrades to the planes in recent years. The Russian defense ministry said early last year that the modernized A-50U had been carrying out missions during the war in Ukraine.

*^{Russian Airborne Warning and Control System A-50 aircraft. (Image Credit: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation)}*

Beriev A-50

Based on the Ilyushin Il76 transporter aircraft, the A-50 was developed to replace the Soviet Union’s long-standing Topulev Tu-126 “Moss” spy plane. The planes were introduced in 1978 and have been in service since then.

Operated by a crew of 15 persons, the A-50 aircraft features an array of advanced radar systems to perform the vital task of extracting data in the warzone. A-50 is equipped with a state-of-the-art expansive Liana surveillance radar system that boasts an over-fuselage rotodome, housing an impressive 9-meter diameter antenna.

The plane has an impressive 650-kilometer range to detect air targets and 300 kilometers for ground targets, underscoring the aircraft’s prowess in both aerial and terrestrial surveillance. It can control up to ten fighter jets simultaneously for either air-to-air intercept or air-to-ground attack missions.

The plane’s operational endurance is four hours and it can cover an impressive range of 1,000 kilometers from its home base during a single trip. To extend its mission capabilities, the aircraft can seamlessly undergo refueling operations facilitated by Il-78 tankers. This feature enhances the A-50’s versatility and ensures extended flight durations for strategic surveillance and control missions.