The aircraft of the Russian invaders damaged at Machulischi air base near Minsk in Belarus is an A-50 Airborne Early Warning system and control aircraft coordinating the work of fighters, according to a defense intelligence statement published on Twitter by the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Tuesday morning.

As noted in British intelligence, the incapacitation of this aircraft will significantly affect the possibility of conducting Russian air operations.

"On February 26, 2023, Belarusian partisan group BYPOL and exiled opposition leaders an A-50 MAINSTAY was sustained damaged from Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attacks at Machulischy air base. BYPOL reported two explosions and damage to the front and middle sections of the A-50 MAINSTAY as well as radar antenna. Attribution and damage has not been officially corroborated. However, the loss of an A-50 MAINSTAY would be significant as it is critical to Russian air operations for providing an air battlespace picture," the intelligence said.

According to British intelligence, this attack will limit Russian air operations. After it, the invaders will have six more combat A-50s in service.