Ukraine’s military chief reported a significant setback for Russian forces as the Ukrainian air force successfully shot down a Russian early warning and control plane, capable of detecting targets up to 650 kilometers away.
Additionally, a crucial command center aircraft responsible for relaying information to ground troops was also successfully targeted.
The downing of these planes represents a significant achievement for Ukraine, considering the essential role they play in coordinating Russian battlefield strategies within Ukraine. If confirmed, this development would mark a noteworthy milestone in the nearly two-year war, especially as the conflict along the front line has been predominantly characterized by trench and artillery warfare.
Despite Russia’s established air dominance throughout the war, Ukraine, armed with Soviet-era warplanes, managed to strike a blow against Moscow’s more advanced aircraft.
Ukrainian Commander Silent on Downing Russian Aircraft
General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, refrained from disclosing the method used to bring down the two aircraft, a Beriev A-50 and an Il-22.
However, it’s noteworthy that Ukraine has acquired advanced air defense systems from its Western allies.
The specific location of the interceptions was not disclosed by Zaluzhnyi, but he shared a video on social media featuring an airplane tracker displaying two targets disappearing above the Azov Sea, situated between Ukraine and Russia, north of the Crimea Peninsula and the Black Sea.
As of now, there has been no official comment from Moscow. Some Russian war bloggers speculated that both planes were hit by friendly fire, although no evidence was provided.
They further claimed that the Il-22 sustained damage but managed to make a successful landing.
The A-50, equipped with a large radar, typically accommodates a crew of 15, and the Russian air force reportedly operates a fleet of nine such aircraft.
In February 2023, a drone strike targeted an airfield in Belarus, resulting in minor damage to a parked A-50.
Russian and Belarusian authorities downplayed the severity of the damage.
The Il-22 functions as an airborne command post, directing military operations and transmitting radio signals to frontline troops.
The Russian air force is reported to operate a fleet of approximately twelve Il-22 aircraft.