UK intelligence assesses consequences of downing of second A-50 for Russia

This is stated in the report of the UK Defense Ministry.

UK intelligence suggested that the Russian aircraft was probably shot down by a surface-to-air missile as it flew south of the Sea of Azov over the territory of Russia's Krasnodar.

“There is a remote chance that the Russians inadvertently shot down their own aircraft while attempting to protect it,” the statement says.

They recalled that Russia began using A-50 aircraft over the Sea of Azov only in November 2023. Since then, Ukraine has already destroyed the second such aircraft: the first A-50 was shot down on January 14, 2024.

“This forced Russian decision makers to consider safer operating area for the aircraft. This latest Ukrainian success has demonstrated a continued Russian inability to protect high value air assets. It brings into question the efficacy of Russian air planners.”

Nevertheless, the intelligence believes that the Russian Air Force will be able to compensate for the sudden loss of the A-50, as it still has seven serviceable aircraft.

• On the evening of Friday, February 23, the Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed a Russian A-50U long-range radar surveillance aircraft. Ukrainian intelligence published an interception of the Russian conversation, which confirmed the destruction of the aircraft.
• Aviation expert Bohdan Dolintse suggested that the Ukrainian Defense Forces probably destroyed the Russian A-50U aircraft with a S-200 anti-aircraft missile system.