As previously reported on January 14, 2024, a russian A-50 aircraft almost certainly exploded and subsequently crashed into the Sea of Azov. The A-50 aircraft is a key enabler for russian operations over Ukraine providing airborne early warning of threats as well as command and control functionality, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
On January 17, 2024, the russian Air Force appears to have begun operating another A-50 aircraft, but this time over land within russian territory near the Krasnodar region, farther eastwards from Ukraine. This activity is highly likely indicative of a reduced risk appetite for the airframes and an attempt to preserve remaining A-50 aircraft at a loss to its overall effectiveness over Ukraine.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: the Shootdown of russian A-50 and Il-22M Aircraft Underscores Several Critical Factors
Despite no official position from russia on the loss of the A-50 aircraft, this activity likely demonstrates a tacit russian acknowledgement of a successful targeting operation by the Ukrainians against a high value air asset. If the loss of the A-50 aircraft was an accident, then such a decision is unlikely to have been required.
Read more: Ukraine’s Spy Chief Tells New Details on russia’s A-50, Il-22 Aircraft Downing
