Russia has begun deploying A-50U aircraft on a daily basis in response to Ukrainian missile strikes
From near-total inactivity in early June, Russian forces have shifted to daily deployments of A-50U long-range early-warning aircraft to counter Ukrainian cruise missiles. This was reported by the “CyberBoroshno” project based on an analysis of over 1,600 reports from June 4 to August 2.
According to analysts, between June 4 and June 22, A-50U aircraft were virtually not deployed against Ukraine. During this time, the only reports recorded were of the return to service of the refurbished “47 Red” aircraft and its flights along the Vorkuta–Olenya route.
However, starting June 23, the situation changed. One aircraft, primarily at night, began regularly patrolling rear areas within the Ulyanovsk and Samara regions. This pattern of operations continued until the end of the study period, during which approximately 60 sorties were recorded.
“CyberBoroshni” noted that on July 4, the A-50U aircraft became one of the key elements of the Russian system for repelling Ukrainian cruise missile attacks.
Analysts also noted that after July 4, the Russian Air Force changed the aircraft’s bases of operation. While they had previously flown primarily from the Ivanovo and Ulyanovsk airfields, they were subsequently redeployed deeper into the rear—to the Bolshoye Savino (Perm), “Orenburg-2,” and “Chelyabinsk.”
In addition, on July 7, the Russian military simultaneously deployed four A-50U aircraft, which, according to the study’s authors, represents nearly the entire operational fleet of such aircraft.
“CyberBoroshni” concluded that Russia has switched to daily rotations of A-50U aircraft, dispersed their bases, and brought its forces to maximum readiness to counter Ukrainian missile strikes.
Source: Militariy.
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