Loss of A-50 reconnaissance aircraft will be significant for Russia – UK intel

According to Ukrinform, the UK Defense Ministry said this in its latest intelligence update published on Twitter.

"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 ministry said.

It added that this would likely leave six operational A-50s in service, further constraining Russian air operations.

According to the Nasha Niva media outlet, two explosions were recorded at the Machulishchy air base in Belarus early on Sunday, February 26. The Belarusian Hajun project clarified that following two explosions, Russia's A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft with registration number RF-50608 had been significantly damaged at the air base. It has damage to the front and central sections and the radar antenna.

One such aircraft costs $330 million.