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.