British Intelligence assess A-50 aircraft loss for Russia's aviation capability

On January 14, 2024, Ukrainian forces shot down Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and an Il-22 air control center. This is likely to limit Russian aviation's combat capabilities

The UK Ministry of Defenсe reports.

The damage of reconnaissance aircraft A-50 is deemed significant for Ukraine. Likely, Russia will now be compelled to reconsider the flight zone restrictions for its aircraft.

According to intelligence, the A-50 is crucial for Russian aerial surveillance over conflict zones.

The Russian Air Force, according to information from the United Kingdom, currently operates 8 A-50 aircraft, which are presumed to cover immediate operational consequences. However, the increased workload on the remaining planes, coupled with the loss of the crew, is likely to limit the long-term mission endurance.

• On January 15, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, and the Air Force confirmed the destruction of Russian A-50 and Il-22 aircraft. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk.
• Operational Command South says that Russia used the destroyed Russian A-50 aircraft to launch powerful missile strikes against Ukraine, so its elimination may delay future missile attacks