Ukraine intel discloses details of A-50 downing: five more Russian aircraft were recalled

The last takeoff of A-50U occurred on February 23 at 15:50 from the Ahtubinsk airfield.

Feb 24, 2024 - 08:20

Ukraine intel discloses details of A-50 downing: five more Russian aircraft were recalled

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (ГУР) has revealed detailed information regarding the downing of the Russian A-50U long-range radar detection aircraft near the city of Prymorsko-Akhtarsk on the Sea of Azov. Following this incident, an additional five Russian aircraft were recalled from active combat.

The struggle against Russian aviation remains one of the main tasks in this war, as Ukraine awaits F-16s while Russia reinforces its air force.

According to intelligence reports, the last takeoff of A-50U occurred on February 23 at 15:50 from the Ahtubinsk airfield and was intended to carry out operations near the settlements of Prymorsko-Akhtarsk and Zernograd, posing a terrorist threat to Ukraine.

The abrupt cessation of the radar complex “Shmel,” equipped on A-50U, in the specified area was detected by the radio-technical reconnaissance stations of the Main Intelligence Directorate at 18:45.

The firing on the upgraded A-50U long-range radar detection aircraft is further confirmed by radio interceptions of the conversations of the Su-35 cover crew.

One of the Russian pilots reported in the radio broadcast that he observed the operation of air defense systems, flashes, and explosions.

Quoting directly: “An additional sign of the success of the joint operation of the Main Intelligence Directorate and the Air Force is the order to cease missions for two Su-35 aircraft, as well as three Su-34 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which were carrying out tasks near the settlement of Miliyivka — some of them planned to launch airstrikes near Avdiivka.”

On February 23, Ukrainian defense forces successfully brought down a Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft using the Soviet S-200 anti-aircraft missile system.

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