According to the Ukrainian Air Force’s announcement, a Russian A-50 AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft was downed in an area near the Sea of ​​Azov, with footage allegedly showing the incident posted on social media, without, however, Moscow’s official confirmation.

Chipi chipi chapa chapa 🫡🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/SXJ8sOhcfr

— Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) February 23, 2024

The first reports from Russian information sources speak of the downing of the AWACS A-50 aircraft by friendly fire, while there are scenarios that the Russian aircraft faced some technical malfunction leading to its crash in the region of the Sea of ​​Azov. However, Kiev has officially announced the loss of the Russian AWACS.

Dramatic footage shows a Russian A-50 early warning and control aircraft intercepted by several air defence missiles resulting in its destruction. pic.twitter.com/yw4NsgwyW9

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) February 23, 2024

However, in mid-January, an aircraft of the same type was shot down by air defence forces of the Ukrainian Air Force.

It is recalled that the A-50 is in service with the Russian Air Force, because it allows better detection, tracking, and reconnaissance of enemy targets. These features, combined with the gathering of intelligence and its transmission to friendly air forces, increase the effectiveness of Russian forces in the field of operations.

Footage reported to be showing Russian A-50 long range radar detection aircraft burning after being shot down by friendly fire over the Sea of Azov. https://t.co/sOKxuTNZhS pic.twitter.com/xZU5sEZBTj

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 23, 2024

Also read: GlobalEye | The modern platform of SAAB and the case of the Greek AEW&C