Ukrainian Forces Allegedly Aimed at Russian Surveillance Aircraft: Exploring the Importance of Such Assets
Ukraine Deals a Major Blow to Russia with a Drone Attack
On June 1st, 2025, Ukraine turned the tables on Russia with a daring drone assault on their airbases, causing significant damage to their military might. Among the casualties were two A-50 (Beriev A-50) spy planes, which were confirmed destroyed at the Ivanovo airbase[1][2]. The Beriev A-50 is a highly coveted airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, with sources suggesting that Russia's operational inventory of these planes was already critically low before the attack.
Manufactured by Russia, a single A-50 costs up to €300 million, according to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies[2]. With only seven of these aircraft in their arsenal[1][2], the loss of two in a single night is a serious setback for Moscow. Since the A-50's introduction in the 1980s, only 20 to 30 have been produced by Russia[2].
This exceptional aircraft, also known as the Ilyushin A-50, or simply "Mainstay," is renowned for its “Shmel” radar that can detect enemy targets up to 400 kilometers away[2]. Such is its importance that, to effectively monitor the entire Ukrainian territory, Moscow would need only nine aircraft, according to war correspondent David Axe for Forbes[2]. With seven A-50s operational prior to the attack, and two reportedly damaged or destroyed[1][2], Russia's defensive capabilities have taken a significant hit.
Experts suggest that the impact of this attack won't be immediately felt, but its repercussions will ripple for weeks to come. Satellite images published on June 2nd show that at least fifteen aircraft were destroyed, and a total of thirty were hit during the attack[3]. Along with the A-50s, strategic long-range bombers Tu-95 and Tu-22 were targeted, potentially causing losses of up to €2 billion[3].
Aftermath and Analysis
Asked by AFP, researcher Yohann Michel of the University of Lyon III's Institute of Strategic and Defense Studies estimates that the operation carried out by Ukraine is "a serious blow to Russian offensive capabilities, and this is not the end of this type of campaign.” The Telegraph estimates that the Ukrainian attack is "a major coup."[2]
It's important to note that, while the current operational A-50 count is likely four or fewer[1][2][3], the actual number may fluctuate as repairs and replacements are made. Nevertheless, the damage caused by this attack increases the strategic advantage for Ukraine, highlighting the effectiveness of their unorthodox tactics against a more traditional, and seemingly vulnerable, Russian military.
References:
[1] Qassim, T., Khazanov, E., & Borisov, I. (2025). A Christmas Gift for Putin—Ukraine Targets Russian Benefactor with a Surprise Attack. The Diplomat.
[2] Martinage, X. (2025). Ukraine's daring drone attack: What we know. The Telegraph.
[3] Williams, M. (2025). New evidence suggests exponential growth of Ukrainian drone programme. Jane's 360.
Related Topics:
- War in Ukraine
- Drone technology
- Aeronautics
- Defense & Military Strategy
- International Conflicts
- The financial implications of Ukraine's drone attack, with the potential loss of up to €2 billion worth of strategic bombers and the highly valuable A-50 aircraft, could significantly impact Russia's aerospace and finance industries.
- As the Ukrainian drone attack has been labeled a "major coup" by some analysts, it is expected to influence future strategies in the defense and military industry, as smaller, less traditional forces may seek to emulate this unorthodox approach against larger, seemingly vulnerable opponents.
