UPDATE - Ukraine claims to have shot down Russian AEW&C aircraft A-50 near Black Sea

ADDS STATEMENT BY UKRAINIAN AIR FORCE COMMANDER, MORE DETAILS

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) – 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.

Earlier in January, British military intelligence officially confirmed the mid-air explosion of a Russian A-50U surveillance aircraft, which Ukraine claimed that it shot down — marking the first downing of such an aircraft in the 21st century.