Ukraine said that it has shot down a Russian A-50 military spy plane - the second occurrence of its kind in slightly over a month. According to Ukrainian military sources, the plane was struck between the Russian cities of Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar, approximately 200km (124 miles) from the front line.
Emergency services found plane fragments in Kanevskoy district and successfully extinguished a large fire. Russia has not provided any comments regarding the claim. It has been two years since Russia initiated a full-scale invasion on Saturday, as per BBC News.
Ukraine Shoots Down Key A-50 Russian Spy Plane
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 24: Beriev A-50 early warning plane flies over Red Square during the Victory Day military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II, on June 24, 2020 in Moscow, Russia. The 75th-anniversary marks the end of the Great Patriotic War when the Nazi's capitulated to the then Soviet Union.
A four-engine radar plane, the A-50, has crashed about 120 miles from the front line in southern Ukraine, causing serious harm to the Russian air force. The reason behind the crash is still unclear, with potential causes including a mechanical issue or damage sustained while operating near the front and trying to return to its base in Krasnodar before exploding.
The Ukrainian air force has laid claim to shooting down the A-50, supported by the intelligence directorate in Kyiv. This incident marks another significant setback for the Russian air force, which has lost nine of its top planes, predominantly to Ukrainian long-range surface-to-air missiles, including American-made Patriot PAC-2s, in just a month.
The A-50s have played pivotal roles in Russia's extended conflict with Ukraine, aiding in the detection of incoming missile raids and relaying critical radio signals from frontline forces to distant headquarters. The loss of two A-50s in quick succession has not only diminished the Russian air force's capabilities but also highlighted the vulnerability of their operations, according to Forbes.
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Ukraine's Patriot Batteries Challenge Russian Air
Initially deployed cautiously to minimize risk, the A-50s faced increased danger as the Russians ventured closer to the front line over time. The deployment of Patriot batteries by Ukraine, obtained from Germany and the United States, proved effective in countering the A-50s, dealing a blow to Russian air superiority in the region.
The ramifications of these losses extend beyond the airframes, impacting the availability of experienced pilots crucial for executing key missions. Russian efforts to replace the destroyed A-50 are underway, but the significant cost and time required pose substantial challenges.
Ukraine has taken financing for a few Russian aircraft being shot down recently, raising worries about the decreasing supply of Patriot missiles. Struggling due to Russia-aligned Republicans impeding US aid, Ukraine is dealing with a crucial shortage of resources to maintain its defense against Russian air attacks.
Amid the tragedy, videos of the A-50 crash circulated on social media, depicting a large explosion and flames at the crash site. Russian officials are yet to comment on the incident, while Kyiv continues to assert its role in downing Russian planes, including the recent destruction of a Su-34 fighter bomber. The ongoing hostilities highlight the escalating tensions and the strategic challenges faced by both sides in this prolonged conflict, Newsweek reported.
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