On February 23, the Air Force of the Armed Forces together with the DIU destroyed the Russian A-50U long-range radar detection aircraft. Roman Svitan, a military expert, instructor pilot and reserve colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, explained how the situation on the battlefield could change after that.
The loss of the A-50U is a serious problem for Russia
As Roman Svitan points out, there are currently active rumors that the Ukrainian forces could shoot down the Il-22 together with the A-50.
What is important to understand is that the planes always "walk" side by side, since the Il-22 mainly controls ground troops, and the A-50 is actually a flying radar that sees 600 km deep.
When this pair is together in the air, it can be said that this is a serious control unit. However, these are such "2 sheds with wings", heavy transporters that are very easily shot down by missiles. The optimal range is 200 — 250 kilometers. This is the operational range of the S-200 missile.
Roman Svitan
Military expert, pilot-instructor and colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in reserve
Roman Svitan draws attention to the fact that this is a very serious loss for the Russian army.
According to his data, there are practically no such pairs left in the aggressor country. Moreover, it is necessary to "take off crews".
It's about the same if we, for example, got HIMARS or ATACMS into an army headquarters. That is, a rather serious loss for the Russians, says Roman Svitan.
On the conviction of the colonel of the Armed Forces in reserve, the Ukrainian forces will be able to see it, observing the ground operations of the enemy.
The scale of the operational impact will definitely be reduced.
What is important to know about Ukraine's downing of the Russian A-50U aircraft
The Soviet S-200 air defense system was used to eliminate another enemy target.
DIU draws attention to the fact that the A-50U is a new modernized version of the aircraft. According to preliminary data, its value reaches 350 million dollars.
The Russians used such an air command post for long-range radar detection, control and guidance for strikes on Ukraine with missiles from strategic aviation.
It is also known that after the destruction of the A-50U, 5 more Russian aircraft were withdrawn from combat operations.
An additional sign of the success of the joint operation of the GUR and the Air Force is the order to stop the missions for two Su-35 aircraft, as well as three Su-34 aircraft of the Russian Air Force, which were performing tasks near the N.P. Millerovo - some of them planned to carry out airstrikes near Avdiyivka".
