In a recent statement, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu revealed that the Russian Armed Forces had successfully shot down 24 Ukrainian aircraft in just five days. This news was analyzed by retired military expert Colonel Viktor Litovkin during an interview on Tsargrad.tv. Litovkin pointed out that the Russian military had previously mentioned the use of long-range radar detection and control aircraft A-50U within their Air Defense Forces. According to Litovkin, these aircraft can operate in conjunction with anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM).
“This aircraft detects the launch site or aircraft and reports it to the command post or airfield, indicating the location of the aircraft that takes off and attempts to carry out a specific combat mission. Our aircraft or SAM system is then directed towards it,” explained the expert.
He added that the A-50U can guide aerial combat from a distance. The flying interceptor A-50U is capable of detecting targets at a range of 650 kilometers (404 miles).
During a conversation with servicemen from the “Vostok” group, Shoigu announced the presence of SAM systems in the Russian troops, which had been used to successfully shoot down 24 aircraft belonging to the Ukrainian Air Force within five days.
In December 2022, representatives of the Russian defense industry reported that the A-50U would undergo upgrades following its deployment in the ongoing military operations in Ukraine. It was noted that these aircraft were actively used to carry out combat missions.
Earlier, Russia had also announced for the first time the downing of ATACMS missiles.
