Russian surveillance flights over Belarus intensify scrutiny
As reported by the Defence Blog portal, which references findings from the eRadar company, the Russians conducted reconnaissance with the Ilyushin Il-20 aircraft over Belarus on Tuesday, May 27. The aircraft monitored Ukrainian air defence resources in the western part of the country, it reads.
According to eRadar, the appearance of the Russian aircraft over Belarus suggests that the Russians are increasingly focusing on electronic surveillance to support military operations in Ukraine.
Il-20 Russians over Belarus
Belarus, as an ally of Russia, provides its airspace, enabling operations without exposing Russian aircraft to fire. The Il-20 is used by Russia, among other purposes, to monitor key logistical nodes through which weapon supplies from NATO countries pass.
Thanks to advanced reconnaissance systems, the Il-20 analyzes transport routes, the functioning of anti-aircraft defence systems, and the command activity of the Ukrainian army. This allows Russia to build a detailed operational picture in the region.
Russian intelligence uses this data to monitor NATO's reaction to increased activity in the region. The activities of aircraft from bases in Poland, Lithuania, and Romania, as well as the activation of radar systems, are being checked.
Even though technologically inferior to modern Western platforms, the Il-20 remains a key tool in the Russian intelligence system. Its capabilities include not only listening but also terrain imaging and observation of ground objects.
The collected data is quickly analyzed and transmitted to Russian command centres, where it can be used for planning military activities or misinformation.
Russian spy plane Il-20
The Il-20 aircraft is a specialized machine designed for reconnaissance missions. It has recently been frequently seen in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, where it was intercepted by NATO aircraft. The design of the Il-20 is based on the passenger model Il-18D. Its key task is to conduct electronic reconnaissance, which includes detecting and intercepting communication signals and collecting imaging data. This makes it possible to accurately locate ground systems of potential adversaries.
As a spy plane, the Il-20 is equipped with modern technologies that allow it to operate effectively over long distances. Thanks to these capabilities, this aircraft can conduct reconnaissance from a safe distance while supporting allied military forces.
The equipment of this aircraft allows for the execution of various operations in international airspace without violating the borders of other countries. This is a key element of Russia's reconnaissance strategy, which allows for the collection of important strategic data without the need for direct engagement in conflict areas.
