British Intelligence explains importance of damaged A-50 aircraft in Belarus for Russia

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense.

On March 7, self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko reportedly confirmed the damage to one of Russia's A-50U MAINSTAY D long-range radar detection and control aircraft.

The aircraft was moved to a repair facility in Taganrog, Russia. The flight took place at a lower altitude than usual, probably due to damage to the pressurized cabin.

As noted in the report, the A-50 provided data for the MiG-31K fighter modified to launch the Kinzhal ballistic missile, which Russia considers a strategic capability for its forces against Ukraine. The modification removed the aircraft's internal radar to balance the aircraft, forcing pilots to rely on external sources of information, including the A-50.

"It is a realistic possibility that joint Russo-Belarusian air activity will now be forced to rely on ground control and fighter escort until another MAINSTAY can be deployed," the press service writes.

• On the morning of February 26, two explosions occurred at the Machulishchy military airfield near Minsk, disabling a Russian A-50 reconnaissance UAV.