The Beriev A-50s can scan an area of several hundred kilometres for enemy aircraft, ships and missiles. Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko/Ritzau Scanpix
Ukraine
Ukraine on Monday shot down a Russian Beriev A-50 early warning and control aircraft and an Ilyushin Il-22 command plane over the Sea of Azov south of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian Army Chief Gen. Valery Zaluzhny. “Thank you to the Air Force for the excellently planned and executed operation in the Azov region!” Gen. Zaluzhny said on Telegram. The Russian Defence Ministry has not officially confirmed the downing of the planes. The Beriev planes are some of Russia’s most expensive and important command aircraft, Reuters news agency reported. The Russians use these aircraft to coordinate missions and monitor the front line. They are said to cost approximately two billion kroner per aircraft. /ritzau/Reuters/