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Ukraine Hits One Of Russia’s Most Critical Spy Planes, A-50, Deep Inside Russia
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine’s Defense Forces damaged a Russian A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft during a strike on a military repair facility inside Russia, according to official statements released on March 20.
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According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the aircraft was hit during an earlier strike on March 17 targeting the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in the city of Staraya Russa, Novgorod region.
The confirmation follows initial reports of damage to infrastructure at the facility, with further assessment now indicating that a high-value aircraft was affected.
The General Staff stated that the A-50 was located at the plant for maintenance and “possibly awaiting modernization” at the time of the strike.
The same statement also confirmed additional Ukrainian strikes carried out overnight on March 20. According to the General Staff, targets included facilities at the Alchevsk Metallurgical Plant in Russian-occupied Luhansk region, which is involved in the production of artillery shell casings and armored steel used by Russian forces.
Infrastructure at the “Vostochny” training ground in temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia region was also reportedly hit.
The Beriev A-50 is a long-range airborne early warning and control aircraft used by Russia to detect aerial targets, coordinate fighter jets, and manage air defense operations. Comparable in role to NATO’s AWACS platforms, the aircraft is equipped with a large radar system capable of tracking multiple targets over long distances.
In Russia’s war against Ukraine, A-50 aircraft have played a central role in supporting air operations, including detecting Ukrainian aircraft, guiding missile strikes, and enhancing situational awareness for Russian forces. Due to their limited numbers and strategic importance, any damage to these platforms is considered operationally significant.
Earlier, on November 25, Ukraine’s Armed Forces carried out coordinated long-range strikes on key Russian military and industrial facilities, including the Beriev aircraft plant in Taganrog, where A-50 and Tu-95 aircraft are serviced.
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the attack likely damaged the rare A-60 airborne laser platform and triggered fires at multiple sites, while additional strikes targeted oil infrastructure in Novorossiysk and Tuapse.
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