Ukrainian Intelligence reveals current state of Russia's A-50 aircraft fleet
Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
In total, the Russian occupiers have eight A-50 aircraft at their disposal, which are in good condition, states the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, in an interview with the Financial Times.
He reminds that the long-range radar detection aircraft A-50 was shot down and exploded, while the airborne command post Il-22 made a landing in Anapa with significant damage.
"There are just eight A-50s in good condition," clarifies Budanov.
The Chief of Defense Intelligence notes that the destruction of such aircraft will likely impact Russia's ability to conduct round-the-clock operational activities and maintain communication in the conflict zone.
Destruction of Russian aircraft
Yesterday, on January 14, sources in the Armed Forces informed RBC-Ukraine that defenders shot down a Russian A-50 aircraft over the Azov Sea.
Another aircraft of the occupiers, Il-22, was also shot down.
Today, on January 15, this information was confirmed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. He mentioned that both aircraft were destroyed.
Later, the Air Force specified that Il-22 made a landing in Anapa but is no longer subject to restoration.
For more details on the destruction of Russian aircraft, refer to the material by RBC-Ukraine.
