The Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft, which was attacked at the Machulyshchi airfield in Belarus, was assisting the Kinzhal missile-carrying fighters. After it is damaged, the joint aviation of Russia and Belarus will have to rely on ground control and escort fighters, according to the latest intelligence report from the British Ministry of Defence.
Intelligence sources remind that on March 7, 2023, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Oleksandr Lukashenko, confirmed that one of the Russian A-50U MAINSTAY D early warning and control aircraft, which was stationed in Belarus, was damaged. At the same time, they add, the plane was probably attacked by a small drone.
The British MoD suggests that the A-50 was moved to a repair facility in Taganrog, Russia, and that the transit flight took place at a lower altitude than usual due to damage to the hermetic cabin.
Intelligence sources say the plane was providing data for a MiG-31K FOXHOUND D fighter jet modified to launch the Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile, which Russia considers a key strategic capability. According to them, the modification removed the internal radar to balance the aircraft. This forced pilots to rely on external sources of information, such as the A-50.
"It is quite realistic that the joint Russian-Belarusian aviation will now be forced to rely on ground control and escort fighters until another A-50 is deployed," the intelligence officers concluded.
Belarusian ruler Oleksandr Lukashenko on Tuesday, March 7, announced the arrest of those who allegedly attempted "sabotage" against the Russian A-50 aircraft at the Machulishchi airfield in Belarus.
