Ukraine’s forces target another Russian A-50 radar aircraft

The information about the downing of the Russian A-50 was confirmed by the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk.

"Bayan, where are you?" The A-50 with the call sign "Bayan" reached its destination! Greetings to the Russian occupiers "Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day! You should celebrate at home!" Oleshchuk wrote.

The Air Force commander also thanked the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine and all those who ensured the result.

Later, the downing of the Russian A-50U was confirmed by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

"As a result of a joint operation by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine and the Air Force of Ukraine, another important Russian A-50U aircraft was shot down over the Sea of Azov," the statement said.

The intelligence agency noted that the A-50U is a new modernized Russian version of the aircraft, and its downing is another serious blow to the potential and capabilities of the Russian Federation.

"A sharp drop in the speed and altitude of the downed A-50U aircraft was recorded near the city of Yeysk," the military intelligence added. - "The cost of such an aircraft, of which the aggressor state has only a few left, is $350 million."

The level of damage is being clarified. However, according to preliminary information, the chances of saving the plane are minimal.

The aircraft was shot down by a Soviet S-200 air defense system

The Ukrainska Pravda media outlet, citing sources in the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, reported that the Ukrainian Defense Forces had shot down a Russian A-50 aircraft from a Soviet S-200 air defense system.

According to UP's intelligence sources, the Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft was shot down by a S-200 long-range anti-aircraft missile system.

Russian version 

Russian Telegram channels were the first to share videos of the fire. Allegedly, the A-50 crashed in the Krasnodar Krai.

Russian sources also alleged that the A-50 could have been brought down by friendly fire over the Sea of Azov. There is also speculation that a technical malfunction could have contributed to the crash.

Later, Russian media reported the crash of "an unidentified aircraft in the Kanev district of Krasnodar Krai, with reeds burning at the crash site. According to the operational headquarters of the Krasnodar Krai, two aircraft crashed near the Trudovaya Armenia village of Kanevsky district at about 8 p.m. 

"Upon arrival of fire crews, it was found that the aircraft and reeds were burning, the fire area is approximately 250 square meters. There is no threat to residential buildings, and there are no injuries among the villagers," the statement said.

The firefighters involved in the firefighting operation include 40 emergency personnel and 14 pieces of equipment, Russian media said.

• The Beriev A-50 (NATO reporting name: Mainstay) plays a crucial role as Russia’s airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The loss of such aircraft for the Russian forces is serious.
• This event quite possibly marks the second A-50 downing since Russia started its full-scale war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.