Ukraine achieves world first with downing of Russian A-50 aircraft
The destruction of a Russian A-50 in the skies over the Sea of Azov on Jan. 14 was the first-ever documented downing of an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft in history, Ukrainian military news outlet Defense Express reported on Jan. 15.
Previously, downing AEW&C aircraft was considered to be highly implausible, since these sorts of planes typically avoid the front lines and stay as far away as possible from the adversary’s air defense zone. They are also usually protected by an escort, and their radar capabilities allow them to spot any incoming threats long before they materialize.
"No one in history has ever shot down a long-range radar detection aircraft, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces have once again accomplished what was considered impossible and has never been done before," Defense Express writes.
The downing of the Russian A-50
Media reports that the Ukrainian military had shot down a Russian A-50 AEW&C aircraft, as well as an Il-22M11 airborne command post over the Sea of Azov began to surface on Jan. 14.
Read also: Ukrainian Air Force takes out a Russian A-50 reconnaissance plane over the Azov Sea
The two planes were on duty near Strilkove, Kherson Oblast, and were downed around 9:00 p.m. EET on Jan. 14, prompting an emergency landing in the Russian town of Anapa. The crew urgently requested evacuation and sought assistance from emergency services.
It was later revealed that Ukrainian Air Forces downed the A-50 near Kyrylivka, Zaporizhzhya Oblast.
"This is for the Dnipro! Burn in hell, devils!" the Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on Telegram on Jan. 15.
The Fighterbomber Telegram channel, allegedly run by Captain Ilya Tumanov of the Russian Armed Forces, reported casualties among the pilots of the downed A-50, while claiming the damaged Il-22M11 successfully made an emergency landing.
The Kremlin has refused to comment on the situation.
Read also: Ukraine confirms destruction of Russian A-50 and Il-22 warplanes
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
