British intelligence explains how the damage to A-50 reconnaissance aircraft in Belarus will affect Russia's combat capability

This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense on Twitter. 

British intelligence notes that on February 26, Belarusian partisan group BYPOL and opposition leaders reported that a Russian A-50 reconnaissance UAV was damaged in a UAV attack on the Machulishchy airbase. BYPOL reported 2 explosions and damage to the front and middle parts of the A-50, as well as the radar antenna.

The A-50 is a Russian airborne early warning and control platform. Its role is to create a recognized air picture and ensure coordination of neighboring fighters.

“Attribution and damage has not been officially corroborated. However, the loss of an A-50 MAINSTAY would be significant as it is critical to Russian air operations for providing an air battlespace picture. This will likely leave 6 operational A-50s in service, further constraining Russian air operations," the British intelligence concluded. 

• On February 26, 2 explosions reportedly occurred at the Machulishchy military airfield near Minsk, damaging a Russian A-50 reconnaissance UAV and snow removal equipment.