Restriction of Russia’s A-50 activity zone testifies to success of operation conducted by Ukraine – British intelligence

14:18, 19.01.2024 1 min read

After the loss of the A-50 MAINSTAY aircraft over the Sea of Azov, the Russians transferred the remaining A-50 to work from Russian territory, the British Ministry of Defense reports, citing intelligence data.

“On January 17, 2024, the Russian Air Force appears to have begun operating another A-50 MAINSTAY, but this time over land within Russian territory near Krasnodar region, farther eastwards from Ukraine. This activity is highly likely indicative of a reduced risk appetite for the airframes and an attempt to preserve remaining A-50 MAINSTAY at a loss to its overall effectiveness over Ukraine,” the message posted on X reads.

At the same time, it is noted that such a decision by the Russian command indicates the success of the Ukrainian operation.

“Despite no official position from Russia on the loss of the MAINSTAY, this activity likely demonstrates a tacit Russia acknowledgement of a successful targeting operation by the Ukrainians against a high value air asset. If the loss of a MAINSTAY was an accident, then such a decision is unlikely to have been required,” the British ministry said.