Loss of aircraft in Machulishchy will further restrict Russian air operations

The loss of a Russian A-50 aircraft as a result of an attack on the Belarusian Machulishchy air base will further restrict the air operations of the Russian Federation.

Source: UK Defence Ministry on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On 26 February 2023, Belarusian partisan group BYPOL and exiled opposition leaders reported an A-50 MAINSTAY had sustained damaged from Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attacks at Maschulishchy air base, the UK Defence Ministry said.

BYPOL reported two explosions and damage to the front and middle sections of the A-50 MAINSTAY as well as the radar antenna.

The role of A-50 MAINSTAY is to build a recognised air picture and to provide coordination to adjoining fighter aircraft.

Attribution and damage has not been officially corroborated. However, as the British Defence Ministry noted, the loss of an A-50 MAINSTAY would be significant as it is critical to Russian air operations for providing an air battlespace picture.

Quote: "This will likely leave six operational A-50s in service, further constraining Russian air operations," the UK Defence Ministry stated.

Background: British Intelligence reported that while Russia maintains a significant number of troops in Belarus, they are unlikely to constitute a credible offensive force.

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