ANKARA : Ukrainian air forces on Friday claimed to have shot down a Russian plane near the Black Sea.
Another Russian AEW&C aircraft A-50 was shot down over the Sea of Azov, Defense Intelligence of Ukraine said in a statement posted on X.
The air force destroyed the A-50U, a newly modernized Russian version of the aircraft, which is used by Russia for long-range radar detection, control, and guidance for strikes on Ukraine using missiles from strategic aviation.
The downing of the A-50U is another “serious blow” to the potential and capabilities of Moscow, the statement said.
“An A-50 with the code-name “Bayan” flew enough! I congratulate the occupiers’ “Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day!” Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk said in a separate statement on Telegram. He also thanked “everyone who ensured the result.”
Defender of the Fatherland Day is a Russian holiday observed on Feb. 23 and focuses on the achievements of military forces and veterans.
Moscow has yet to issue a statement.
