Ukrainian forces hit two Russian military aircraft over the Sea of Azov last night, shooting down an A-50 and damaging an Il-22, local media say citing sources in the Kiev army.
The A-50 was reportedly shot down shortly after entering service over the Zaporizhzhia region, while the Il-22 was reportedly hit while flying over Kherson. The A-50 is an early warning and air control aircraft used in particular to detect defense systems and to coordinate combat aircraft targets. According to Kiev's forces, Russia possesses only eight of these aircraft.
Considered an aircraft of fundamental importance in the theater of war, its destruction would be particularly noteworthy. Deputy Chairman of the National Security Committee of the Ukrainian parliament Yuriy Mysiagin said on Telegram that the Russian A-50 was destroyed, but confirmation from military officials is still missing.
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