US Army Officer Confirms Russian A-50 Radar Plane Downed by Patriot System.

In January 2024, a Russian A-50 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, also known as Mainstay, was shot down over the Sea of Azov by an American-made Patriot air defense system, as stated by a U.S. Army colonel at the 2024 Field Artillery Symposium. This incident marked the first of two similar aircraft lost by Russia within five weeks.
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The Russian A-50, based on the Ilyushin Il-76 platform, entered service in the late 1980s, providing advanced radar surveillance and command and control capabilities for the Russian Air Force (Picture source: Wikimedia)

During a panel discussion at the United States Field Artillery Association's Fires Symposium 2024, Colonel Rosanna Clemente, Assistant Chief of Staff at the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, confirmed that the German-supplied Patriot system was used in a surface-to-air missile ambush, dubbed "SAMbush." Currently, about a battalion of Patriot systems are operational in Ukraine, some protecting fixed sites and others deployed mobile for various missions, including this successful ambush.

The acquisition of Patriot air defense systems significantly enhances Ukraine's air defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict. These systems, known for their efficacy in intercepting missiles and aircraft, were provided by several Western nations as part of military aid packages in response to the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. The first units were reported to be operational in Ukraine by early 2023, following announcements from the U.S. and Germany about the provision of these systems.

The Patriot system, developed by Raytheon and used by many NATO countries, can track and engage multiple targets with precision due to its advanced radar and missile technology. It defends against various threats including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft, covering critical areas comprehensively.

These highly mobile systems, mounted on trucks, were moved close to the front line and pushed to their maximum capacity to engage the A-50 command and control system in January.

The Russian A-50, based on the Ilyushin Il-76 platform, entered service in the late 1980s, providing advanced radar surveillance and command and control capabilities for the Russian Air Force. With updates over the decades, the A-50 tracks both airborne and ground targets, coordinating air missions and enhancing the interception capabilities of fighter jets. Equipped with a large rotating radar dome, it extends radar coverage significantly, enhancing Russia's air defense network's effectiveness. Currently, Russia operates about 20 of these aircraft, including the modernized A-50U version with improved avionics and radar systems.

Colonel Clemente also shared details on the training of Ukrainian operators on these systems, including a validation exercise with the U.S. Army in Poland in April 2023. German soldiers, responsible for the training, simulated air battles to prepare the crews for real missions.

In May 2023, Ukraine began advancing its Patriot batteries deeper into Russian-controlled airspace, downing a series of Russian aircraft along the northeastern border of Ukraine, potentially including Su-27s. This created friction between Berlin and Kiev, but German officials later approved the use of Patriots to target aircraft in Russian airspace.

In December 2023, similar tactics were used against tactical jets over the northwestern Black Sea, demonstrating the capability of highly mobile operations. A Russian Il-22M radio-relay aircraft was also reportedly damaged by Ukrainian air defenses that same night, though details remain unclear.

According to Colonel Clemente, the Patriot system was not only used to its limits but also deployed boldly near the front. This strategy is part of a targeted campaign against Russian aerospace forces, including multiple long-range downings of aerial tactics.

Ukrainian tactics initially succeeded in pushing back Russian air power and degrading its ability to launch direct attacks. Anti-access tactics targeting Russia's small yet vital AEW&C fleet also had a significant impact, as these aircraft provide a comprehensive air picture deep into Ukrainian-controlled territory, directing Russian cruise missile and drone strikes. A recent photo showing a Ukrainian S-300PS air defense system marked with an A-50 symbol also indicates previous attempts to down these aircraft with this Soviet-era missile. The long-range, highly valued Patriot systems were naturally the tools chosen to target the A-50, underscoring their crucial role in Ukrainian air defense.