A Major Hit: Ukraine's Drones Potentially Knock Out Two Russian A50 Early Warning Aircraft
Russia reportedly suffered the loss of two crucial airborne assets.
Want to catch up on the latest buzz? Here's the lowdown! Reports are circling that Ukrainian drones have taken out rare early warning aircraft in Russian military airports, possibly severing a significant part of their air operations.
According to intel leaks, Ukrainian attacks have caused damage to at least two A50 early warning aircraft, an event that could significantly reshape the air game, especially with regard to glide bomb attacks. The "Telegraph" reports about the possible destruction, citing shadowy sources. The A50s have a limited number remaining, and they hold a crucial role in coordinating air operations and selecting targets.
Politics Oh, Snap! Secret Sabotage: Kyiv Blows Up Crimean Bridge "I just got a sneak peek at Ukrainian drones taking out two Russian A50 aircraft," "The Insider" scribe Michael Weiss tweeted. Following suit, Jimmy Rushton disclosed that the drones directly crashed on the radar domes of at least two early warning aircraft before detonating.
The footage mentioned by the two journalists and the medium has yet to appear publicly. Though the "Telegraph" admits the extent of the damage is still unclear.
Battle Cry: Potential Casualties for Russian Air Forces
Even the SBU, Ukraine's intelligence agency, claimed hits on one or more A50s. Military expert Gustav Gressel told ntv.de that, with only six to seven operational A50s left, the loss could leave Russia with four or five remaining.
"If several A50s were destroyed, it would deal a hefty blow to the Russian air forces, particularly their glide bomb attacks. These are a serious problem for Ukrainian defenders, along with fiberglass drones, our foremost concern right now," explained Gressel.
Glide bombs are modified explosive bodies dropped from aircraft from a safe distance. Historically, these long-range attacks have often signaled a Russian infantry advance and have caused headaches for the Ukrainian forces.
It's possible that more than two A50s have taken a beating in the latest attacks. The full extent of the attacks will unfurl in the coming days. In total, the intel agency claimed 41 aircraft of various types were hit. Last year, Ukraine bragged about taking down two A50 aircraft.
Source: ntv.de, rog
Insight:
- According to sources, the Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb targeted more than 40 military aircraft at multiple Russian airbases, resulting in significant economic damage, estimated to be over €6 billion.
- Several strategic assets of the Russian Armed Forces, including the A50 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems and strategic bombers (Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3), were reportedly destroyed or damaged.
- The operation's success demonstrated Ukraine's drone warfare capabilities and exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense systems.
- In light of the recent reports, it seems that the Ukrainian 'Community policy' and 'employment policy' for military drones might have played a significant role in the potential knockout of two Russian A50 early warning aircraft, offering a potential shift in the 'general-news' of war-and-conflicts.
- As the success of Operation Spiderweb by Ukraine showcased their drone warfare capabilities last year, taking down two A50 aircraft, it raises questions about the effectiveness of their 'employment policy' in strategic military operations and the possible vulnerabilities in Russia's 'politics' and 'war-and-conflicts' Air Defense systems.
