Russia’s highly valuable Beriev A-50 aircraft shot down by Ukraine.

In a significant military development near Ukraine, one of Russia’s highly valuable Beriev A-50 aircraft, valued at £260 million, was reportedly shot down over the Sea of Azov, south of the frontline, as per Ukrainian military reports. This Soviet command and reconnaissance plane played a crucial role in battlefield operations, utilizing high-range radar to detect missiles and aircraft while coordinating Russian fighter jets.

The loss of this aircraft leaves Vladimir Putin’s forces with only eight operational A-50s in their entire fleet, underscoring its strategic importance. Although it remains unclear whether there were any survivors, given the tactical significance of the A-50, it is plausible that senior officers were on board.

The incident occurred during a patrol near Kyrylivka at approximately 9:10 pm on a Sunday when Ukrainian forces successfully shot down the A-50. According to intercepted communications, a Russian pilot reported witnessing the plane catching fire and plummeting from the sky.

Originally introduced in the 1980s, around 40 A-50s were manufactured, with reports suggesting that only nine remained in active service last year. The recent loss further diminishes the already limited fleet.

Coincidentally, on the same evening, another crucial Russian command aircraft, the Ilyushin Il-22 airborne command post, was reportedly struck by Ukrainian missiles, compelling it to return to base. Intercepted audio from Russian air traffic control revealed an officer urgently requesting medical assistance and firefighting support, indicating potential casualties aboard the Il-22.

The Il-22 incident implies the likelihood of at least one senior commander being on board, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The pilot managed to successfully land the damaged aircraft, but at least two individuals were reported injured during the attack. This dual blow to key Russian command and reconnaissance planes marks a notable setback for the country’s military capabilities in the region.