After the destruction of the Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft on January 14, the Russian Federation will probably be forced to reconsider limiting the areas of operation of its aircraft, according to British intelligence report.

“On January 14, 2024, a Russian A-5 MAINSTAY, and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, almost certainly exploded and subsequently crashed into the western Sea of Azov. Concurrently, a Russian IL-22M COOT B aircraft was reported damaged but landed in a nearby Russian airfield,” a message published on the social network X of the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Wednesday reads.

The intelligence service notes that the destruction of the enemy A-50 aircraft by Ukrainian forces "significant," since it is likely that Russia will now be forced to reconsider limiting the operational areas of its aircraft.

“The A-50 is critical to the Russian air surveillance picture over the battle space,” the message reads.

At the same time, the Russian Air Force has eight A-50 aircraft, which can probably cover the consequences of the loss of the board, “however the increased stress on the remaining airframes coupled with the loss of the crew will likely constrain longer term mission sustainability.”