Ukraine Claims To Have Shot Down Another Russian Beriev A-50U AWACS
The Ukrainian air force has claimed to have shot down a second Russian Beriev A-50U Mainstay. If confirmed this would mark another significant loss for Russia’s air force. On Friday evening numerous videos have been shared claiming to show the destruction of the Mainstay and the burning of its crashed wreckage. A two-minute video of the night sky with an aircraft dropping flares, trying to avoid incoming missiles was shared and was followed by unverified footage of wreckage. The aircraft is believed to have been shot down near Krasnodar Krai, near the village of Borets Truda, at arouns 7:00pm local time.
The Beriev A-50U is Russia’s most modern and potent Airborne Warning And Control System. It’s potential loss adds to Ukraine’s recent growing tally of successful surface to air engagements.
In recent weeks, the Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed the first downing of an A-50U over the Azov Sea. This, however, is difficult to confirm. Unsurprisingly, Russia has made no official comment. While the unit cost of the aircraft is said to be approximately $330 million it’s value to Russia’s operations in Ukraine is incalcuable. The Mainstay is one of the few assets in the Russian Air Force used for airborne early warning and control, thus it is a desirable target and its value cannot be understated.
The A-50 was introduced in the 1980s with an estimated 7 aircraft of this type in service during the beginning stages of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It is unknown how many of Berieves were operational by the time. Back in February 2023 a single A-50U was damaged in a partisan operation on the territory of Belarus and forced to return to Russia for repairs.
The Ukrainian Air Force has officially claimed the shoot down of the A-50 stating its callsign was ‘Bayan’. Ukraine’s Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk thanked the Main Intelligence Agency of the Defense Ministry for its assistance. The Agency subsequently posted on X about the shoot-down noting it was ‘the result of a joint operation’.
A secondary source, the FighterBomber Telegram channel, tied to members of the Russian Air Forces has also posted about the loss of the AWACS, saying “it is currently unknown who shot it down” and bidding the aircraft’s crew it’s ‘eternal flight’.
In the last 7 days, Russia has lost a total of 7 high value military aircraft, including 4 Su-34s, 2 Su-35s, and now a single Mainstay. With the expected arrival of Ukraine’s first F-16 jets in May, the recent anti-aircraft campaign is seemingly aimed at shaping the battlespace for future air operations.